Ever since the NBA unveiled its new format for the 2025 All-Star Game, many players have voiced their strong disapproval of the mini-tournament style. “I hate it,” Kevin Durant said in December. “Absolutely hate it. Terrible.” Similarly, Jaylen Brown expressed confusion, stating, “I have no idea what’s going on.”
Draymond Green, known for his outspokenness, was particularly critical of one aspect of the format. This year’s All-Star festivities will feature three teams of NBA players alongside a “Rising Stars” squad comprised of first- and second-year players as well as standout G League talents. Green, who was not selected for the All-Star Game, voiced his feelings passionately about this inclusion.
Draymond to Marc Spears:
“These young guys, if they’re on the rising stars team, they don’t deserve the privilege of playing on Sunday” pic.twitter.com/OqswkiBo0C
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 16, 2025
“One All-Star from last year told me he didn’t like this because ‘What does the All-Star team that plays against the Rising Stars have to gain? We’re supposed to beat them. If we lose, we look bad,’” shared ESPN NBA reporter Marc Spear. Green expressed similar sentiments, stating, “These young guys, if they’re on the Rising Stars team, they don’t deserve the privilege of playing on Sunday.” He understood that the inclusion of younger talent could undermine the significance of the All-Star Game itself.
Instead of participating in the All-Star Game, Green appeared on TNT’s pre-game show alongside Vince Carter and Jalen Rose, where he elaborated on his opinions.
Draymond addressed this on TNT just now:
“Absurd” https://t.co/STs52YE4K2 pic.twitter.com/Moj8a8R5OL
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 16, 2025
“I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star Weekend,” Green lamented. “Because ratings are down and the game’s bad, we’re bringing in Rising Stars? That’s not a fix. I never played in the Rising Stars game. My first two years, I didn’t touch that game. These guys get to touch the All-Star floor? On Sunday night? When the floor is The Floor?
“In America, the President has Air Force One, right? Yeah. They have several of those planes. It’s only Air Force One if the President is on it. That’s the All-Star floor. You have the court. You have the events. It’s a nice-looking court. When All-Stars are on the court, it’s the All-Star court. Those guys did not make the All-Star team. To be playing in the All-Star Game and not make the team is absurd.”
While Green has a valid point that the All-Star Game should showcase the elite, the recent performances of these top players have often been lackluster. Perhaps introducing some hungry young players could indeed provide the spark needed to encourage the “best” to raise their game.
However, the situation is compounded by TNT’s broadcasters, who have been openly critical of players like LeBron James for opting out of the All-Star Game, doing little to build excitement for the upcoming event.
