"I didn't like it at all" : NBA Players React To New All-Star Game Format

February 17, 2025 , , , , ,

The NBA All-Star Game got a much-needed makeover, and this year’s bold new format is turning heads.

In an effort to reignite the excitement and competitive spirit of the event, Commissioner Adam Silver introduced a fresh twist: a high-energy mini-tournament featuring four teams of eight players. 

Three teams were drafted by TNT’s iconic Inside the NBA crew - Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, while the fourth team was made up of the Rising Stars who dominated Friday night’s event.

The condensed format of the shorter games meant more frequent breaks and less actual basketball, leaving fans and analysts alike voicing their opinions—and not all of them were positive. Even some of Sunday’s All-Stars shared their thoughts on the frequent stoppages. 

Here’s what a few players had to say about the game

Stephen Curry, who led his team to victory in the finals and took home MVP honors, embraced the new format but admitted the league still has room for improvement.

"I think it was a good step in the right direction to reinvigorate the game in some way,” Curry said. “You tinker with it again next year and see what changes you can make. It’s not going to look like it used to. But it still can be fun for everybody."

Other players, like Trae Young, expressed frustration over the constant interruptions for entertainment breaks, which included Kevin Hart’s comedic banter and a lengthy 20-minute TNT retrospective.

"I didn't like it at all to be honest with you," said Young, a member of Charles Barkley's Global Stars. "I don't know what the fans' reaction was yet, but it was too many breaks. It was too long of a break. Guys were over there ready to play. I thought it was very competitive in the beginning, but too many breaks."

OKC point guard and MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed Young's sentiment. 

"It isn't ideal. I would rather play without breaks, but I had fun, nonetheless. I feel like it was a little bit more toward the competitive side tonight, which is a good feeling, a step in the right direction. I guess it's up to the guys that handle all that stuff to figure out what's next and how to keep making it more and more interesting. Hopefully, we get there one day," said Shai. 

Jayson Tatum expressed concern over the inclusion of Rising Stars, arguing that being named an NBA All-Star should remain an exclusive honor.

“It’s kind of a big deal to be an All-Star and play Sunday night,” Tatum said. “Some guys get snubbed, and other guys work really, really hard to make it. Playing on Sunday night is special.”

Suns forward Kevin Durant agreed with his former teammate Steph Curry that there were definitely positives from the night. He also didn’t hold back on social media, calling out the widespread criticism of the All-Star Game. Durant even floated the idea of scrapping the event altogether, joking that everyone seemed too unhappy to enjoy it.

"I think it's more fun to complain about the NBA than to actually watch it. Crazy, cancel All-Star Weekend and let's just give everybody a break since we're so miserable around this time..."

The NBA is expected to refine the format again next year, but for now, reactions to this year’s changes are split. The league aims to build on what worked and make adjustments to keep the All-Star Game fresh and exciting for fans and players alike.


Image - Kyle Terada - Imagn

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