Kevin Duranthas never been one to mince words, and when it comes to the NBA’s new 2025 All-Star Game format, the Phoenix Suns star didn’t hold back. In his eyes, the league’s latest attempt to revamp the midseason showcase is nothing short of “terrible.”
On Tuesday, the NBA officially unveiled its bold new structure for the All-Star Game, abandoning traditional matchups in favor of a mini-tournament format featuring four teams and three games. Adding to the spectacle, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker were tapped to manage the squads. But while the league is marketing the changes as “innovative” and “competitive,” Durant isn’t buying it.
Kevin Durant steals the spotlight at the Texas vs. Georgia game
The 14-time All-Star shared his unfiltered opinion during a Suns practice session. “I hate it,”Durant told reporters. “Absolutely hate it. Terrible. All the formats-terrible, in my opinion. We should just go back to East-West. Just play a game.”
Durant’s frustration echoes a growing sentiment among players and fans alike, as the NBA grapples with dwindling excitement around its marquee event. Ratings for the 2024 All-Star Game hit a historic low, prompting Commissioner Adam Silver to pledge a shake-up in an effort to reignite competitiveness. Silver acknowledged last month that both fans and players were disappointed with the lack of intensity in recent years.
Kevin Durant calls for tradition as NBA All-Star game faces growing scrutiny
Durant, however, argues that simplicity-and tradition-could be the solution. “I think we’ve been trying to bring that flare somehow back with the All-Star Weekend,”Durant said. “But I think we just keep a tradition. We’ll see how this one works. I might be wrong.”
The tournament-style format introduces a new wrinkle, with the league banking on star managers like Shaq and Barkley to add intrigue. Yet for purists like Durant, the charm of East vs. West-the original All-Star setup-remains unmatched. “Just play a game,” he repeated, underscoring his desire to see the event return to its roots.
As the NBA experiments with fresh concepts, it risks alienating key voices within the league. Durant, one of the most prominent players of his generation, isn’t alone in his skepticism. Fellow stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have also spoken out in the past about the need for authenticity and effort in the All-Star Game, rather than gimmicks.
The revamped festivities will take place this February, and all eyes will be on whether the new format delivers the competitive spark Adam Silver hopes for-or confirms Durant’s worst fears. As always, the court will decide.
