The NBA is considering the idea of a tournament as a new format for the All-Star Game, similar to that used in the Rising Stars Game.
Two people familiar with the matter reported it to AP. The sources requested anonymity because no changes have been finalized.
Whispered for several weeks, the idea was relaunched on Friday, during a meeting of the competition committee.
The 24 players chosen for the annual classic would be divided into three teams of eight. A fourth team would probably be the one that won the rising stars tournament earlier in the weekend.
The new formula would be implemented during the current season’s meeting in February, in San Francisco.
It is not yet clear how the ballot naming players would be changed.
Currently, the system takes into account the vote of fans, players and media, while coaches make their choices for reserves.
The new ideas were first reported by ESPN.
Earlier this month, Commissioner Adam Silver expressed a desire for the All-Star Game to become more competitive.
In February this year, the East beat the West 211-186 in Indiana.
