The NBA just unveiled a whole new format for the highly anticipated NBA All-Star Game in 2024–2025. Fans who desire more than just a fun, lighthearted experience on the court are the reason behind this change. They want NBA stars to be stronger competitors, to put it briefly. Conversely, Kevin Durant was not pleased with the decision to use a new framework. Durant stated that ‘he absolutely hates’ the new format change.
However, this did not go down well with ESPN analyst, Stephen A Smith. According to Smith, the players are solely to blame for the NBA All-Star Weekend‘s apparent deterioration. Smith harshly criticized the effort put out at recent All-Star events. He called it a “disgrace” and blamed players for the persistent problems in an interview with First Take.
“The players have ruined All-Star Weekend. It’s their fault that this[the new format] is happening… They have shamed the game of basketball, they have shamed the event. It is an absolute embarassment and I know its not popular to say but dammit I’m Stephen A, I’m going to say it. The lack of effort they have shown has been such a disgrace. I personally have no desire to be in attendance for it.”
Stephen A Smith said on the First Take Show
“The players have ruined All-Star Weekend. It’s their fault that [the new format] is happening… They have shamed the game of basketball… I personally have no desire to be in attendance for it… This is not Adam Silver’s fault.”
—Stephen A. Smithpic.twitter.com/LFEoJ7MyGh
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2024
Smith advocated for the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver for his decision to implement a new format change to the glorious event. This year (again), the NBA All-Star game will debut in a brand-new format.
Instead of the customary East-West clash, four teams will engage in a tournament-style showdown at the All-Star event. There are going to be two semi-final matches before the main event, which will be the concluding event of All-Star weekend. All eyes will be on this year’s NBA All-Stars despite the controversy surrounding the event.
Anthony Davis backs Kevin Durant’s ‘not liking’ the new NBA All-Star’s format change
Shortly after Kevin Durant trashed the new NBA All-Stars format change, his fellow rival and Los Angeles Lakers star, Anthony Davis also shared the same view. Davis recently claimed he too was ‘not a big fan’ of the new format. Golden State Warriors star, Stephen Curry will play a crucial role in this event, as he will be leading an All-Star team.
“I don’t know. I don’t really like it. We’ll see how it goes this year and see if they change that or not. I think they can go back to East vs. West but four teams and multiple games, I don’t think a lot of players are gonna like that, personally. But we’ll see.”
Anthony Davis told the reporters
Similar to KD, Anthony Davis is not a fan of the new All-Star Game format: pic.twitter.com/fQPLuDzVcb
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) December 18, 2024
Following two seasons in which the All-Star game’s level of competition fell to all-time lows, this format was implemented. Alternative to playing a 48-minute exhibition game that has little entertainment value these days, the league thinks that the shorter game formats would motivate players to remain more active.
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