The NBA recently revealed a whole new format for the 2024–25 season’s much-anticipated NBA All-Star Game. This shift is a reaction to fans who want more than simply a lighthearted, enjoyable time on the court. In short, they want NBA players to be more competitive. Kevin Durant, meanwhile, has not been happy with the choice to adopt a new structure.
The two-time NBA champion shared his candid thoughts on the new NBA All-Star structure in a media interview this week. The Phoenix Suns player Durant, in contrast to other fans and analysts such as Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, despises the new structure and wants the league to return to East vs. West competition.
I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible, All-Star game changing all the formats is terrible in my opinion. We should just go back to East-West. I think we’ve been trying to bring that flare back somehow with the All-Star weekend but I think we should adjust and keep it traditional.
Kevin Durant told the reporters
The NBA All-Star game will make its debut in a completely new format this year (again). At the All-Star event, four teams will compete in a tournament-style matchup rather than the traditional East-West matchup. Before the main event, which will be the last event of All-Star weekend, there will be two semi-final matches.
Kevin Durant says he hates the new NBA All-Star format
“I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible….We should just go back to East-West.” 😳
(🎥 @GeraldBourguet )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 17, 2024
The NBA and NBPA announced today a new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In addition, NBA All-Star Voting presented by AT&T will tip off on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. ET.
Full details ➡️ pic.twitter.com/3jIbW1tZWZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 17, 2024
With a roster of eight players, three of the four teams will be named after distinct TNT analysts (Shaquille O’Neal, Barkley, and Kenny Smith). The Castrol Rising Stars championship game, which features young standouts in their first or second year, will determine the fourth team. All eyes will be on the upcoming NBA All-Star matchup this year.
Stephen Curry will play a ‘crucial role’ in the NBA All-Star Format
The 2024–25 NBA All-Star game has the interest of NBA fans all over the world. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors will play a significant part in the league’s new system for this year’s All-Stars. This season, Curry will be leading an All-Star team, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
They have collaborated with the league and other All-Stars to ensure the format lives up to the expectations. A speedier game could increase the intensity of the event and demand more work from the players. Despite Kevin Durant giving his controversial take, stars like Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James must still discuss this case, though.
“They’re changing the NBA All-Star Game format..
It’s going to be a four team tournament with eight players on each team..
One team will be comprised of the rising stars winner” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/ll66TPCDPo
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 21, 2024
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has personally and publicly admitted that there might not be a way to bring competition back to its former level. However, the NBA and the league have talked about ways to make the 2025 event unique in recent months. In an interview, Silver stated that he and the players were “disappointed” with the previous year’s event and that they would enhance it for the next one.
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