Kevin Durant hates the new All-Star Game format: 'I think we just keep it traditional'

Originally posted on Basketball Network
By Shane Garry Acedera | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 7:13 PM ET

In an effort to restore the brilliance of the NBA All-Star Game, the NBA is adopting a new format for its midseason classic. This year's game will be a four-team tournament consisting of three race-to-40-point games, all played on Sunday night.

Players will be named to the All-Star teams using the traditional process, and the 24 players will form the three teams. The three teams will be drafted by Inside the NBA's hosts -Shaq, Kenny, and Chuck—and named after them. The tournament's fourth team will be the Rising Stars Challenge winner.

As soon as the announcement was made, people reacted differently to it. Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant, who has played in 14 past All-Star Games, wasn't shy to express his strong displeasure about the change.

"I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible. All-Star Game formats changing, all the formats are terrible in my opinion. We should go back to East-West. Let's play a game," said Durant.

I asked Kevin Durant what he thought about the new format for the NBA All-Star Game: “I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible….We should just go back to East-West.” pic.twitter.com/T7owR5aJY7
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) December 17, 2024

The game has lost the spirit of competition

The NBA All-Star game initially used the East vs West format. However, as generations changed, the games became more and more high-scoring. And although there were closely competed editions, most of the games lacked the competitive fire of yesteryears.

From 2018 to 2023, the league changed its format to have two teams named after the leading vote-getters in each conference, with the two top All-Stars picking their respective teams regardless of players' conference affiliation. Still, that didn't work.

"I think we've been trying to bring that flare back somehow with All-Star weekend but I think we just keep it traditional," added KD. "But we'll see how this one works. You'll never know I might be wrong. I'm just another guy with another opinion."

Last year's was East vs West but it got worse

In case KD forgot, last year's All-Star Game was played using the East versus West format, but it only got worse. The teams combined to score an all-time high of 397 points with the East winning the game 211-186. The game ended with only three personal fouls called.

KD was a starter on the Western Conference team after finishing as the third-highest vote-getter among West forwards. Durant played 24:51 minutes in that game and shot 7-12 with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

It's easy to understand Durant's disappointment. Among the current generation of players, he is considered to have an old-school attitude. But unless his peers step up their game, the NBA will try to find ways to restore the All-Star Game to its old splendor.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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