The NBA All-Star rules are changing, and Stephen A. Smith is not happy about it. The association is trying hard to maintain its competitiveness and is making changes in response. While the new rules are set to debut during the upcoming season, reactions have been flowing in and out.
During a recent episode of ESPN’s NBA segment, the prominent basketball analyst voiced strong criticism regarding the new format for the NBA All-Star Game. Smith, who described the revamped structure as a pick-up-style tournament featuring four teams, does not openly blame the players.
“The players have ruined All-Star Weekend. It’s their fault that [the new format] is happening. They have shamed the game of basketball. I personally have no desire to be in attendance for it. This is not Adam Silver’s fault,” Stephen A. said on the show.
"The players have ruined All-Star Weekend. It's their fault that [the new format] is happening… They have shamed the game of basketball… I personally have no desire to be in attendance for it… This is not Adam Silver's fault."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2024
—Stephen A. Smithpic.twitter.com/LFEoJ7MyGh
His discontent stems from what he perceives as a lack of seriousness from players during this high-profile exhibition. Expressing his frustration on the show, Smith emphasized that the changes implemented by the NBA are not solutions to a fundamentally deeper issue.
Stephen A. Smith pointed at the players’ apparent indifference toward the exhibition’s competitive integrity and its historical significance.
Furthermore, Smith allocated responsibility for the All-Star Game’s diminishing appeal directly to the players, suggesting they have failed to take the event seriously. He argued that players display greater commitment during Summer League practices than in what should be a showcase of the league’s top talent.
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According to Smith, the players’ attitude shift and the NBA’s conception of the change are unfeasible. With the 74th All-Star Game scheduled for February 16, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Smith is not content with the changes at all.
Also Read: Stephen A. Smith Has A Bold Take On Why LeBron James “Doesn’t Deserve” To Play With Stephen Curry
What Rules Are Changing In NBA All-Star Game That Stephen A. Smith Dislikes?
The NBA has announced a change to its All-Star Game format for 2025. The league has introduced a mini-tournament that will feature four teams. This new structure will include three teams comprised of NBA All-Stars. The winner of the Rising Stars Challenge, making it a unique twist on the traditional East vs. West matchup. Each All-Star team will consist of eight players, with a total of 24 All-Stars selected.
The mini-tournament will play out in the semifinals, and the winning teams will advance to the championship round. To enhance competitiveness, games will be played to a target score of 40 points. And this push to points is what Stephen A. Smith put it on the players.
The NBA has officially changed All-Star weekend.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 17, 2024
We now have a four-team pick-up tournament style. pic.twitter.com/VBLGLJuIXP
Also, the iconic trio of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith from TNT’s Inside the NBA will oversee the selection of teams and serve as honorary general managers for the three All-Star teams. The voting process for selecting the players remains unchanged. Fans will contribute 50% of the votes for the starters, while current players and a media panel will account for the remaining 50%.
This innovative format aims to reignite excitement around the All-Star Game, which has faced criticism for its lack of competitiveness in recent years. Silver and the team are promoting a more dynamic and engaging event that shows the league’s top talent while rewarding players with a prize pool of $1.8 million.
