Charlotte, North Carolina

“Unbelievable, I think my heart stopped for a moment but I’m not even sure”.
The fan reaction is piling up after another year of All Star game favorite The Skills Challenge and even NBA players haven’t been able to control themselves. The high profile event apparently nearly ended it all for NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard, but he wasn’t the only one in shock.

“The dunk contest could be alright, I like the three point contest, but this right here… This is basketball” said Kevin Knox, an injury replacement for the rookie game. Former teammate Enes Kanter thinks “Just move the event to Sunday and put that stupid showcase back to Saturday. Give the fans what they want!”

Critics point to the fact that the skills challenge seems to be still around so that players not invited to the actual All Star game can be in Charlotte and not have their feelings hurt. Former champions Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade look on fondly as players like Spencer Dinwiddie and now Jayson Tatum bring home the elusive title to their home cities.

The issue Kanter brings up will not go away soon, fans are clamoring for a 64 player pool, all day event and the noise is only getting louder after this year’s event. Only time will tell if Adam Silver will step up to the plate.