Inescapable All-Star Game transformation gives two Spurs a chance to play

I appreciate the NBA for several reasons, but chief among them is their clear desire to give the fans an awesome product. The NBA All-Star Game has lost just about all of its luster, but the constant changes they've made to the format let you know they are trying to figure it out. They have to do something because, at this rate, they can scrap everything but the 3-point shootout.

The latest on that front is a tournament-style event idea that Steph Curry helped craft.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but the NBA executives are discussing a four-team tournament rather than the standard two-team game fans have become accustomed to. Under the new rules, there would be four teams of eight players: three comprised of all-stars and one, the winner of the Rising Stars game, and that is what opens the door for San Antonio's rookie to participate in a real All-Star Game.

Wembanyama is almost a shoo-in and Stephon Castle could join him

Every year, rookies play against the sophomore in the Rising Stars game, and the way the UConn standout has played, he's sure to play in that contest. He's a gamer, so Spurs fans know he'll show out and put his best foot forward. The biggest obstacle for Castle is fascinating to consider because the person who may stand in his way is the same guy SA fans want to see him in a game against.

As advanced as he is, Victor Wembanyama is only a sophomore himself. If there's one thing we know for sure about Wemby, it's how much he hates to lose. He won't lay down or take it easy on the rookies just to help Castle get into the All-Star Game, which is likely fine with Steph. He's a competitor, and it's hard to believe he would be on board with such a gift. He'll want to earn it.

That sets up for a fun matchup in the Rising Stars game, but if the Alien has one of his explosive games, there's almost no chance the rookies can overcome it. It's just too much firepower in one alleged human. It would be like asking your cousin with a GED to outwit Ethan Hunt's Mission Impossible team—their name is literally the Impossible Mission Force—so that's not happening.

But I guess anything is possible, and maybe that's what we should take from that movie series. Perhaps Wemby would opt out of the Rising Stars game if he makes the All-Star team outright, giving the rookies a solid chance; then again, Chet Holmgren will be back by then, so it's hard to know what will happen for sure.

Regardless, Spurs fans should know the possibilities based on the potential new format. Tournaments seem to be the way of the land now. First, the NBA added the Play-In Tournament, then the Emirates NBA Cup, and now they're considering an All-Star tourney. There's always a chance it bombs anyway, and All-Star weekend is just irredeemable, but it's the thought that counts.