NBA Stars Criticize New All-Star Game Format: Durant, Davis, and Booker Speak Out

The NBA’s All-Star Game, once a marquee event celebrating the league’s elite talent, has faced growing criticism for its lack of competitiveness. To address the issue, Commissioner Adam Silver introduced a bold new format for 2024: a four-team tournament featuring 24 All-Stars and the winning squad from the Rising Stars game.

The revamped structure aims to inject excitement and competition into the All-Star Weekend. However, players like Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker have not held back in voicing their disapproval.

Durant: “I Absolutely Hate It”

Kevin Durant, a 13-time All-Star and one of the most vocal critics of the changes, didn’t mince words.
“I hate it. I absolutely hate it. Terrible,” Durant said. “We should just go back to East-West. Just play a game. I think we’ve been trying too hard to bring that flair back. Just keep the tradition.”

While Durant acknowledged the effort to revitalize the game, he emphasized that the simplicity of the East vs. West format held a nostalgic charm that resonated with fans and players alike.

Booker: “I’m More Into the Nostalgia”

Devin Booker, a four-time All-Star, echoed Durant’s sentiments.
“It’s change, it’s different,” Booker said. “I’m more into the nostalgia. I like East versus West with your own team jersey. I like the old jerseys. It’s whatever.”

For Booker, the new structure feels like a departure from the tradition and essence of what made All-Star Weekend special in the first place.

Davis: Not a Fan Either

Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ superstar big man, also expressed his disapproval. Like Durant and Booker, Davis is skeptical that the tournament-style format will bring the desired level of competitiveness.

What Is the New Format?

The updated All-Star Game format includes:

• Three teams of eight players, drafted by Inside the NBA crew members Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, serving as GMs.
• One additional team, the winners of the Rising Stars game, completing a four-team bracket.
• Games to 40 points, with the first two winners facing off in a championship game.

Despite these adjustments, the NBA hopes the shorter games and knockout-style tournament will incentivize more effort and engagement from players.

A Mixed Bag of Expectations

The league’s attempt to revamp the All-Star Game is undeniably bold, but the reception from its marquee stars suggests the experiment may face an uphill battle.

While the nostalgia of the East vs. West era remains strong, the league is striving to modernize and maintain fan interest. The true test of the format’s success will come during the All-Star Game in San Francisco, where Durant, Davis, and Booker will likely participate despite their initial misgivings.

Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see if this shakeup can breathe life into the All-Star Weekend—or if it’s simply another misstep in the quest for relevance.The way they have played this season Durant, Booker and Davis should easily all be in San Francisco for the All-Star Game. We’ll see what they think of the new format after playing in it.