Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum acknowledged that the NBA needs to examine the All-Star Game following criticism of this year's game in Salt Lake City where defense was absent and players seemed openly apathetic.

"There's no doubt - we have to look at the All-Star game and make some tweaks and continue to ensure that it's an entertaining product for the fans out there," said Tatum.

"At the same time, we have to be cautious. It is an exhibition game, so we don't want players getting hurt during that game.

"Understand: there's a balance there. It's something that we're looking at - and having conversations, by the way, with the players, on things that we might be able to do differently next year."