Commissioner Adam Silver favors expanding All-Star rosters
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he would be in favor of expanding the All-Star rosters.
The current limit is 12 players for each conference. Fans select the stars and coach pick the reserves for the game.
Silver, who celebrated his first year on the job on Sunday, also said that the league is going to have to make decisions concerning the draft lottery and playoff format.
He said that he didn’t like that he had to make a choice between Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard to replace Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who is out of the season after suffering a torn rotator cuff.
• GOLLIVER: Midseason grades for every NBA team
"That I had to decide between DeMarcus Cousins and Damian Lillard," Silver said on ESPN Radio. "I didn't like having to make that choice. I wish I had another slot for Damian because I think he's deserving of being an All-Star as well,” Silver said.
Silver said the nod went to Cousins because he finished higher on the coaches vote, but in his mind it was a tie between him and Lillard.
As for expansion of the All-Star rosters, Silver said he will have to consult with the Players Association and wants to ensure that players participating in the game get enough playing time.
• NEWCOMB: Bryant on the Kobe X, his legacy
“I think that's something that will get very strong consideration. It has a direct impact on many of the player's bonuses. There's preset bonuses in their contracts for making the All-Star team,” Silver said. “I'm in favor of expanding it. I'm not sure if it's by one or two [roster spots], but it is something Michele Roberts and I will discuss."
This year’s All-Star game will take place Feb. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Scooby Axson
