The new NBA All-Star Game format has become a talking point for fans, media, and players alike. Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant has candidly stated that he isn’t a fan of it. Los Angeles Lakers megastar LeBron James doesn’t even want to think about it. San Antonio Spurs rising star Victor Wembanyama just wants the All-Star Game to be competitive again.
Victor Wembanyama on the new All-Star game format:
“I’m personally wondering how to put competitiveness back into the All-Star game. When I set foot on that court though, I’m gonna be competitive for sure. But I don’t think anything beats the old school East vs. West format.”… pic.twitter.com/cvhTWYn5et
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 22, 2024
What has been made clear by everyone is that there needs to be a change. The problem is that there likely won’t be a major one until the next generation of players has firm footing. To that point, the issue was never the All-Star Game format, just the need for new blood.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, New Blood All All-Star Game Needs
NBA commissioner Adam Silver can’t be faulted for his decision.
BREAKING: New All-Star game format for the NBA in 2025 released!
What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/9yBIhSbC5Q
— Aullie CFB Report (@BYUFanA) December 17, 2024
At the end of the day, it’s his responsibility to make the league as marketable as possible. He can’t directly control a player’s effort but he can try to manipulate other factors and get a similar result. This hasn’t just been borne out in the change of the All-Star Game format but the emergence of the In-Season Tournament.
To that point, the primary reason the In-Season Tournament exists is to motivate well-paid athletes to care about the regular season just a little bit more. Now, the NBA has been forced to use its imagination —again —due to the players’ reluctance to take the All-Star Game seriously.
The fact of the matter is that there may not need to be a change of formats though. The inevitable changing of the guards will suffice. Respectfully, there are too many stars who believe themselves above giving their all in the NBA All-Star Game. Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic are two of the biggest culprits, taking fewer than 10 or fewer field goal attempts in each of the last five All-Star Games.
When they’re allowed in the door, players like Wembanyama figure to take the competition much more seriously. This isn’t just at the offensive end but defensively, which has been an even bigger problem for viewers. To that point, only one All-Star Game has seen both teams held under 150 points in the last 10 years.
There’s No Excuse
Perhaps it was the rules that the NBA began to enforce in 2018. Psychologically, players probably would take the competition more seriously if the All-Star Game wasn’t comparable to a pickup game. Given the prideful nature of players, they could also feel more motivation to represent their respective conference than a team leader.
Regardless of their reasons though, there’s still no excuse for their lackluster effort. Even the well-documented concerns about getting out of an exhibition game without an injury don’t hold up. The only major injury that’s occurred during the All-Star Game in recent memory is Dwyane Wade (accidentally) breaking Kobe Bryant’s nose in the 2012 All-Star Game.
When this next generation of fearless and ultra-competitive stars —the young dogs —are at the forefront of the NBA, expect much more effort. As many will be getting their first tastes of the All-Star Game, it adds to the excitement.
Who’s Next Up?
Everyone wants to know who’ll step into James’s shoes when he retires, with Wembanyama given the best chance of accomplishing that feat. Yet, there are other luminaries who must be replaced.
Fortunately, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is talked about like the second coming of Michael Jordan. Since Bryant was already given that mantle, that makes the former No. 1 closer to the second coming of the Black Mamba.
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is the New Generation Melo, a nickname he shares with 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame nominee Carmelo Anthony. However, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero’s skillset is the closest to his fellow former top-three pick.
Then there’s Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, who springs off the hardwood like Vince Carter. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant’s explosiveness inspires images of Derrick Rose. Potential 2025 No. 1 pick Dylan Harper could be even better than his father. Projected 2026 No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa sees himself as a new Tracy McGrady.
With that being said, the league is already in good hands now but the future is truly exciting.
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