Image Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

“Absolutely hate it”- 14-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant criticizes the new All-Star format

The league has changed the previous traditional matchups in the All-Star game with a mini-tournament format featuring four teams and three games.

Image Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

NBA announced the new format for the All-Star game in 2025. The league has changed traditional matchups with a mini-tournament featuring four teams and three games. Kevin Durant didn’t hold back from sharing his opinion on the format. Phoenix Suns star looks unhappy with the idea of revamping the midseason showcase.

New 2025 NBA All-Star Format, per @NBAPR

Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xFS5HOKC48
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 17, 2024

NBA officially revealed the new mini-tournament format for the All-Star game on Tuesday. Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker will manage all four teams respectively. The first three managers will make their teams from 24 All-Star players, who will come through the draft. Candace Parker will run the Rising Stars team and these four teams will play in the semifinals.

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“Just play a game” – Durant suggests to go with the previous format

However, Kevin Durant is not interested in buying this idea which looks innovative from the league’s perspective. 14-time NBA All-Star bluntly called this idea “terrible”. Durant still backs the traditional format of the All-Star game.

Kevin Durant says he hates the new NBA All-Star format

“I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible….We should just go back to East-West.” 😳

(🎥 @GeraldBourguet )

pic.twitter.com/qrFQYq3OHq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 17, 2024

The veteran forward was speaking during a Suns practice session. “I hate it,” Durant said to reporters who told him about the new format. “Absolutely hate it. Terrible. All the formats-terrible, in my opinion. We should just go back to East-West. Just play a game.”

It could also be the perspective of NBA players. When the NBA introduced the In-Season Tournament, we saw similar reactions from fans and players. Meanwhile, the NBA attempted to change the format due to the poor ratings of the 2024 All-Star Game.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged last month that both fans and players were disappointed with the lack of intensity in recent years. He came up with the new format to maintain the viewership and competitiveness of the All-Star game.

Image Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.