When discussing the worst and weirdest sporting events, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game undoubtedly deserves a mention. That may sound a bit harsh, but I love the NBA. Many criticisms aimed at the league seem disingenuous to me. The emergence of young stars and a thrilling style of play filled with free-flowing offense is exciting. Those who long for the days of Charles Oakley and Dale Davis should be forced to listen to The Skip Bayless Podcast incessantly. The regular season is engaging if you genuinely follow it rather than rely on opinions formed through social media.
However, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game was a glaring display of everything that is wrong with the current state of the league. Beyond current critiques, it was a lackluster sports and entertainment product, ranking somewhere between Waterworld and Battlefield: Earth. Competing against the USA-Canada hockey matchup in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Daytona 500, and the SNL 50th anniversary special highlighted how far the NBA has fallen in making their All-Star Game worth watching. The debacle of last year led to a new format that, against all odds, proved even worse.
LeBron checks out
Reporter: “What will we see from you tonight (the NBA All-Star Game)?”
LeBron James: “You won’t see anything from me tonight. Unfortunately, I will not be in uniform tonight. Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort.”
(via @957thegame) pic.twitter.com/YKv3OKB4AX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
The disappointment started before the game began when LeBron James announced he wouldn’t participate due to injury. This revelation quickly drained any remaining interest in the game and reignited the load management debate. LeBron faced justified criticism for announcing his absence mere hours before the event, taking a spot from someone eager to represent.
LeBron is among the greatest players in NBA history, and fans were eager for what may have been one of their last opportunities to see him shine in a national spotlight. His last-minute withdrawal epitomizes a generation of players who disregard the significance of the NBA All-Star Game and their role in promoting the league. As LeBron sat out, NHL All-Stars engaged in fierce international competition that captivated sports fans. His decision played into every negative comparison between basketball and hockey players, raising questions about the current state of the NBA.
New format fails to deliver
In response to the chaos of the 2024 All-Star Game, where the East outscored the West 211-186, the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver attempted to implement a new tournament format. The All-Stars were divided into teams: international players, young stars, and veterans, including a winning Rising Stars team. However, the new setup only fueled discussions about its shortcomings and the overall state of the event.
Charles Barkley: “I’m going to disagree with Draymond A LOT… They messed the game up!.. His generation messed the game up!… We’re doing every type of trick to make this weekend exciting.” #NBA https://t.co/v7CYFf3kFG pic.twitter.com/QiltQVt0RZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
As the game unfolded, Draymond Green openly criticized the Rising Stars’ inclusion, remarking they were putting in the most effort. Meanwhile, the broadcast dedicated just as much time to debating Draymond’s comments as it did to the actual game. Charles Barkley lamented that this current crop of stars had ruined the All-Star Game, likening their performance to kids being asked to clean a messy house. If the objective was to kill the NBA, then they’ve certainly succeeded, creating a situation comparable to a commentator on WWE Raw suggesting fans watch UFC instead for genuine competition.
The first to 40 format for mini-games resulted in quick conclusions, and the veteran stars cruised to an unexciting victory in the finals, replicating the lack of intensity that has plagued previous All-Star Games.
A basketball game interrupts a funeral?
With minimal basketball played during the mini-games, there was significant airtime to fill, leading to live music performances, Kevin Hart’s overzealous antics, and a random cameo from Mr. Beast, not to mention a mock funeral for the NBA on TNT that interrupted the championship game. While certain elements may appeal to some, it was clear the NBA felt the need to provide live entertainment to salvage the evening. The tribute to Inside the NBA during a lengthy 18-minute break was baffling and surreal.
Kevin Hart & NBA All-Stars send the Inside Guys Fishing 🎣 Last #NBAAllStar Weekend for the TNT crew ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QQ1T30YVAB
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2025
This tribute was a bizarre choice, especially considering Inside the NBA is not ending; Shaquille O’Neal just signed a substantial new contract to continue the show on ESPN next season. Presenting a studio program as a centerpiece overshadowing the actual game diminishes the importance of the NBA All-Star Game, making it even more forgettable.
If there’s criticism aimed at ESPN for elevating personalities above the game itself, it applies here too. The large audience during the NBA All-Star Game presents an ideal opportunity to showcase emerging talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Victor Wembanyama, yet the focus remained on Barkley disputing with Draymond Green, and the antics of Mr. Beast, Shaq, and Kenny.
Is there hope for the NBA All-Star Game?
If Adam Silver was in panic mode after last year’s debacle, the situation in 2025 seems like a full-fledged crisis. The optics of a floundering NBA All-Star Game compared to the 4 Nations Face-Off, where the best hockey players are passionately competing, is disheartening. The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will return to NBC amidst a stacked February featuring the Super Bowl and the Olympics, raising the stakes for the NBA immensely. The network is already planning sizeable marketing efforts for all three events to be highlighted as a trio.
If the NBA produces a subpar event similar to the past two years during this crucial time, it will highlight an alarming disconnect between the league and fan expectations. Options to salvage the NBA All-Star Game are limited; perhaps the league could consider an NBA Cup Final format in lieu of the All-Star Game or implement a USA vs. The World matchup. They might even think about a high-stakes, winner-takes-all challenge. Alternatively, pitting the losing team against Mac McClung in a Slam Dunk Contest might inspire players to actually engage.
Currently, the NBA All-Star Game is causing more harm than good. The NHL successfully engaged fans by replacing their All-Star Game with the 4 Nations tournament, which has inspired excitement and positive ratings. Should the NBA fail to find a similar strategy, they would be better off putting the NBA All-Star Game out of its misery.
