During the NBA all-star weekend, you get to see event that shows off the top talents in the NBA. The slam dunk contest isn't what it once was, but it is still fun to see some amazing dunks. Then you have the three-point contest, and the rising stars game. But, the NBA is not capitalizing on the product that they have. 

Allowing fans to vote for the all-star starters is the first thing that I would change. It is great that fans get to see the players they want. But, it is basically just the players that they know when they go to put the check mark next to their name. Look at this year's all-star starters:

Eastern Conference All-Star Starting Lineup

LeBron James (Miami Heat)

Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat)
                                        
Carmello Anthony (New York Knicks)

Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics)

Rajon Rondo (replaced by Chris Bosh)

Western Conference All-Star Starting Lineup

Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Dwight Howard (Los Angeles Lakers)

Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)

Most of these players deserve the spot like Durant, Paul, Bryant, Anthony and James. But, all the another deserve to be on the bench or not in the game at all. I think they need to get rid of the positions, just have the five best players start on each team. Howard and Griffin should be on the bench. James Harden should be starting in his place, as he is fifth best scorer in the NBA at 26.1 ppg and is carrying a mediocre Houston Rockets team, and either Stephen Curry or Zach Randolph should be starting in Griffin's place. 

As much as I love Kevin Garnett he should be enjoying this weekend in Malibu. At the age of 37 he is not putting up numbers that validate him as an all-star. Paul George a rising young player in Indiana should be taking his spot.

Fans vote for the names they know, not everyone has an NBA league pass, so they may not see the Pacers play a lot. Have the coaches vote and get some fresh blood in their so the NBA can broaden their horizons. 

Now moving on to the Dunk Contest, this year the most recognized name was Kenneth Faried, yes, Kenneth Faried. He's a great rebounder and hustle player, but won't get the casual fan to watch the dunk contest. 

The NBA should have the right to compel certain players to do the dunk contest. It won't be a popular decision among players, but it would make the weekend much more enjoyable. Put LeBron James up against Blake Griffin. Rating's would go up, and that all the NBA cares about, just like any other sport. 

Just like all other sports all-star weekends they need some tweaking, but the NBA's all-star weekend could be an event that you look forward to. Now, its just something if your scrolling the guide on your TV you will throw on. The NBA needs to make it must watch TV and more authentic.