The NBA All-Star Game format has been changed for this season following issues over effort levels in previous iterations. The league determined that this was the best course of action to try to salvage a game that was once a highlight of the basketball season.
New NBA All-Star Game Format Explained
Instead of one big game, the All-Stars have been divided up into three teams. Additionally, the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge will be playing in this tournament.
Two All-Star teams will face off while the third faces the Rising Stars. The two winners will then play in a championship final game.
It’s a strange concept and one that not many agree with. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is one of them and he has called out the NBA over this format.
“These young guys, if they’re on the rising stars team, they don’t deserve the privilege of playing on Sunday”
Draymond to Marc Spears:
“These young guys, if they’re on the rising stars team, they don’t deserve the privilege of playing on Sunday” pic.twitter.com/OqswkiBo0C
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 16, 2025
Green has never been shy about making his feelings known and he certainly wasn’t going to stop now. The four-time All-Star feels that the young players shouldn’t be sharing the stage with the players voted into the All-Star Game.
The veteran does have a point and the NBA could see some backlash for this concern. But it will be up to the actual All-Star team to not lose to the Rising Stars, otherwise, they will likely be made fun of for a long time.
Team Shaq will be facing off against the Rising Stars tonight. Here is what the roster of All-Stars looks like:
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics (four-time All-Star)
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (11-time All-Star)
Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns (15-time All-Star)
James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers (11-time All-Star)
Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks (nine-time All-Star, replacing 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks)
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers (21-time All-Star)
Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks (nine-time All-Star)
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics
This squad will go up against the Rising Stars challenge and see if they can avoid humiliation. In all likelihood, Team Shaq should be able to advance but we could be in store for some real entertainment if the Rising Stars can make it a competitive game.
More All-Star news:
Tyler Herro Takes Down Buddy Hield to Win NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest
Hawks Star Trae Young Reacts to Being Named All-Star Replacement Once Again
Top 5 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest Performances of All Time
Lakers’ LeBron James Skips NBA All-Star Media Availability and Practice
Victor Wembanyama, Chris Paul Disqualified From NBA All-Star Skills Challenge
Team Cavaliers Wins NBA All-Star Skills Challenge Over Team Warriors
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