Draymond Green doesn’t hold back and slams the new All-Star format

Golden State Warriors’ leader, Draymond Green, took aim at the new All-Star format during TNT’s broadcast between the first and second games, calling it “unfair” to players who worked hard to earn their rightful spot in the All-Star Game.
>Under the new structure, the All-Star Game turns into a quick tournament with four teams of eight players, competing in a semifinal round before the winners advance to the grand finale. The key to advancing is being the first team to reach 40 points, a rule that Green did not appreciate.

“This sucks, this isn’t basketball,” said Draymond Green

“You work all season to be an All-Star, and when you finally make it, you only play to 40 points and then it’s over. It’s completely unfair to Victor Wembanyama, who really took this game seriously,” Green said during the live broadcast.
“The same goes for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who also gave it his all. When you think about players who set scoring records, like Melo, Kobe, and other legends who had memorable scoring nights. This format would have taken that opportunity away from them.”
“This is all just so we can watch some rising stars. We’re about to see the Olympic team play, but instead of a real show, it looks like a matchup between elite players and a sub-19 team. Seriously, what are we doing? This is ridiculous.”
He added: “This sucks, this isn’t basketball.”

“You work all year to be an All-Star. And you get to play up to 40 and then you’re done… Cmon what are we doing? This is ridiculous.”

Draymond Green GOES OFF on the new All-Star Game format 👀

Agree or disagree with Draymond? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/OCJjn0H7et

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 17, 2025

Draymond Green didn’t hide his frustration from the beginning of the night, voicing his disagreement during the pre-game show while discussing the inclusion of a team from the Rising Stars Challenge.
>Green didn’t hesitate to launch a strong critique of the so-called Team Candice, describing it as a “team no one wants to watch,” before questioning its presence at the event.
“Those players weren’t selected as All-Stars,” Green stated. “Playing in the All-Star Game without earning a spot on the team is completely illogical.”
>The NBA decided to change the All-Star Game format in an effort to restore excitement and appeal to the event. Which in recent years has seen a decline in intensity and public interest.