As TNT prepares to host their final NBA All-Star Game, Charles Barkley emphasizes the urgent need to revitalize the event. Barkley, alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, announced the All-Star reserves on Inside the NBA after revealing the starters last week. With the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend just two weeks away, this should be a moment of celebration, yet the event has significantly lost its appeal in recent years.
“I hope that we’re able to figure something out…As long as I’ve been in the NBA, except for the last few years, it was the biggest thing that happened all year.” – Charles Barkley on NBA All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/LfTWklLl9I
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 31, 2025
“I genuinely hope that we can figure something out,” Barkley stated. “Historically, except for the last few years, it has been the most significant event of the year. Players were excited to participate, and every star was present, making it a major highlight for the NBA.” In response, O’Neal questioned, “They who?” asserting that it should fall on current players to take the initiative in enhancing the event. “We,” Barkley reiterated, emphasizing that everyone is part of the NBA family. O’Neal then countered, “No, they have to. The players need to take pride in the event and say, ‘Thank you. I appreciate it.’ It’s the players’ responsibility; the league isn’t to blame.”
To address these concerns, the NBA has experimented with the All-Star Game format in recent years, introducing a draft with captains and replacing the game clock with a target score. This year, the All-Star Game will feature a mini-tournament structure, splitting the 24 All-Stars into three teams of eight. With the All-Stars now announced, Barkley, Shaq, and Smith will act as general managers to form the teams. However, Barkley seems skeptical about their role in solving the All-Star Game dilemma. Despite the changes, players remain largely apathetic, making the game less competitive. What once celebrated the sport has now devolved into a mere glorified shootaround, drawing more criticism than praise.
