Abdelrahman
Following the NBA’s unveiling of the revamped 2025 All-Star Game format, numerous players have voiced their concerns regarding the new mini-tournament style.
“I despise it,” Kevin Durant expressed in December. “It’s absolutely terrible.”
“I’m completely lost,” Jaylen Brown remarked last Saturday.
Draymond Green, known for his candid opinions, also shared his strong disapproval, particularly regarding the inclusion of a “Rising Stars” team, which features first- and second-year players as well as NBA G League standouts, in the competition alongside three All-Star squads. Green, who didn’t make the All-Star roster this season, raised his voice against this aspect of the format.
Draymond to Marc Spears:
“These young players, if they’re on the Rising Stars team, shouldn’t have the opportunity to participate on Sunday.” pic.twitter.com/OqswkiBo0C
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 16, 2025
ESPN NBA reporter Marc Spears shared insights, saying, “A past All-Star expressed discomfort with this format, stating, ‘What’s at stake for the All-Star team playing against the Rising Stars? If we lose, it reflects poorly on us.’ Draymond Green, a four-time All-Star who wasn’t selected this year, voiced a similar sentiment: ‘If those young players are on the Rising Stars squad, they shouldn’t get the privilege of playing on Sunday.’ He felt this arrangement diminishes the significance of the event.”
Instead of participating in the All-Star Game, Green appeared on TNT’s pre-game show with Vince Carter and Jalen Rose, where he elaborated on his views.
Draymond addressed this on TNT just now:
“Absurd” https://t.co/STs52YE4K2 pic.twitter.com/Moj8a8R5OL
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 16, 2025
“I had to fight hard to earn my spot on the Sunday of All-Star Weekend,” Green stated. “With declining ratings and poor gameplay, introducing Rising Stars isn’t the solution. I never played in the Rising Stars event, and yet these players are getting to showcase their skills on the All-Star stage? That just doesn’t sit right.”
“In the U.S., the President has Air Force One, correct? They own several of those aircraft. It’s only designated Air Force One when the President is aboard. Likewise, the All-Star court becomes special only when All-Stars are present. Players who haven’t made the All-Star roster shouldn’t be on that prestigious stage.”
While Green’s arguments may resonate, especially as the All-Star Game should ideally showcase the elite players, it’s worth noting that recent performances have often lacked excitement. Perhaps integrating young talents eager to make a mark is indeed a much-needed spark to invigorate the game.
Ultimately, the irony lies in the fact that TNT’s analysts, including Green, are not exactly building anticipation for the main event, especially when they take jabs at stars like LeBron James for opting out of the All-Star Game.
