Even as the format for the NBA All-Star Game continues to change, being named an All-Star is a point of pride for players, a validation for their fans and a historical marker of legacy.
The initial selection process for the new USA vs. the World format this season will work almost the same as it has in the past, just with the tweak of being positionless. Then, if the class of 24 All-Stars doesn't split perfectly into 16 American and eight international players -- from a combination of fans, media and players voting for the starters and coaches picking the reserves -- commissioner Adam Silver will add extra players to the roster to meet those minimums.