P.K. Subban may not have named specific players, but his passionate rant certainly seemed to call out LeBron James and other NBA All-Stars. The recently created 2025 4 Nations Face-Off has unintentionally turned into a competition between NHL and NBA stars. NHL players have showcased entertaining performances while representing their countries, contrasting sharply with NBA players who appeared to go through the motions during their All-Star Game.
As the NBA struggles to revitalize its All-Star Game, the NHL is captivating audiences with thrilling hockey, prompting some to, perhaps unfairly, compare the two leagues. Earlier this week, Subban criticized NBA players on ESPN’s Get Up for lacking commitment to their All-Star Game. He further challenged athletes on First Take, questioning the celebration of those who don’t give maximum effort.
“I’m sick and tired of making athletes greats, all-time greats that aren’t the best examples! Those are the people that we want our kids to follow.” – P.K. Subban pic.twitter.com/b6XX0juZlf
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 20, 2025
Subban continued, “What are you playing for? If you’re really about sports, then you’re about two things: your teammates and the fans. It doesn’t matter how much money you’re making; when you don’t show up to play, you’re letting your teammates and the hardworking fans down. These fans are paying $2500 a ticket, five grand, and they deserve better.” He emphasized the importance of showing up and being a role model, stating, “If you don’t get your head wrapped around that, you shouldn’t be in sports.”
The most notable absence from the NBA All-Star Game was LeBron James, who chose to sit out just hours before tip-off, facing widespread criticism for his late withdrawal after 20 consecutive All-Star game appearances. While Subban may not have aimed his comments directly at James, they are certainly open to interpretation. The NBA is grappling with significant issues, including a lack of competitiveness in its All-Star Game. However, the NHL’s All-Star Game has not been without its own struggles regarding physicality and competitiveness, even if it hasn’t faced the same level of decline as the NBA’s.
This year, the NHL has found a winning formula with the 4 Nations Face-Off, which might provide insights for the NBA. However, it’s crucial to recognize the difference between an international tournament and a glorified exhibition. Ultimately, fans will continue to emphasize championships and playoff achievements over All-Star appearances. Nevertheless, Subban raises a valid point: fans want a genuine investment when watching an NBA game, and there is currently a lack of consistency from NBA players in meeting those expectations.
