NBA superstar Kevin Durant isn’t happy about the league’s latest shake-up of the All-Star Game. The 14-time All-Star didn’t mince words when asked about the new tournament format coming in 2025.
“I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible,” Durant said bluntly. “We should just go back to East-West.”
The NBA announced this week that they’re completely changing how the All-Star Game works. Instead of the traditional two-team matchup, they’re creating a mini-tournament with four teams of eight players each. Games will be quick – first team to hit 40 points wins.
It’s the latest attempt to breathe life into an event that’s lost its competitive edge over the years.
Durant, who knows a thing or two about All-Star weekends, thinks the league is overthinking it.
“We’ve been trying to bring that flare back somehow,” he said. “I think we just keep it traditional, but we’ll see how this one works. I might be wrong. I’m just another guy with another opinion.”
His coach in Phoenix, Mike Budenholzer, tried to be diplomatic about the changes.
“The NBA is incredible with how they are constantly trying to put the best product out there,” Budenholzer said. “I love being a part of the NBA, how they push the envelope and try and make everything we do better.”
The new format will debut at next year’s All-Star weekend in San Francisco, scheduled for February 14-16.
Meanwhile, Durant’s got more immediate concerns back in Phoenix. The Suns have been dealing with a string of injuries that’s left them short-handed.
“We have had multiple guys out. Not just me, multiple guys that play heavy rotation minutes,” Durant explained. “We need everybody on the floor if we want to be a good team.”
There might be some relief coming soon. Bradley Beal, who’s missed the last two games with a knee injury, could return for Thursday’s game against the Pacers.
“He did really well in the training room,” Budenholzer said about Beal’s individual workout on Tuesday. “It’s a big 24-36 hours, and we’re hopeful that he continues to make progress.”
The Suns have won their last two games despite the injuries, but getting Beal back would be huge for a team trying to find its rhythm.
