The NBA is shaking things up for the 2025 All-Star Game, but not everyone's on board—including Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant. Known for his candid takes, the 14-time All-Star didn't hold back when asked about the league's revamped format, calling it outright "terrible."
What's New with the 2025 All-Star Game?
The NBA has abandoned the traditional All-Star format and opted for a mini-tournament structure. In this new layout, four teams will compete in three games, with basketball personalities Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker coming on board as team managers.
According to TMZ Sports, this does not sit right for Durant who was hoping for an improvement instead of disappointment.
"I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible. All the formats -- terrible, in my opinion. We should just go back to East-West. Just play a game," the 36-year-old forward told reporters.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had hinted at these changes last month, saying that the plan was to spark excitement back into the All-Star Game. The league is betting big with this shake-up after criticism from both fans and players over last year's dismal event and a steep drop in ratings.
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Durant Calls For Tradition
Durant, who has been a part of the All-Star event for over a decade, expressed his disappointment with the league's decision. "I think we've been trying to bring that flare somehow back with All-Star Weekend, but I think we should just keep a tradition," Durant said during Suns practice.
While Durant praised the league's efforts, his tone was skeptical. "We'll see how this one works. I might be wrong," he said, leaving room for the possibility that the experiment could prove successful.
New NBA All-Star Game
The new All-Star Game format is set for February, giving fans and players a few months to weigh in before it takes center stage. Whether these changes will revive the prestige of All-Star Weekend or further alienate purists like Durant remains to be seen.
At least one thing is sure: the NBA's willingness to innovate may divide opinion, but it's clear that they're determined to shake up the status quo.
Can the NBA Regain Its Fans?
At this point, the league will have a hard time making the All-Star Game relevant again with these declining ratings and fading interest. Will this format be the panacea for the event or fall flat? Only fans can tell, but Durant's best option might be respecting tradition.
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