Draymond Green’s Unfiltered Thoughts on the NBA All-Star Format
Draymond Green, the ever-opinionated forward for the Golden State Warriors, was not holding back his thoughts on Sunday night. He took to TNT’s coverage of the All-Star festivities to voice his strong disapproval of the new All-Star format. Green’s candid and passionate criticisms were a stark reminder of his no-nonsense approach to the game and the league’s decisions.
The New All-Star Format: A Tough Pill to Swallow
The new format for the All-Star weekend included a mini-tournament with four teams, three of which were made up of NBA All-Stars, and the fourth being the winner of Friday’s Rising Stars tournament. Green was particularly irked by the inclusion of the Rising Stars team, which he felt undermined the significance of being an All-Star. "What are we doing here?" Green asked, incredulous. He highlighted the hard work and dedication required to earn an All-Star selection and felt that bringing in Rising Stars players for the main event was a desperate move to boost ratings. "I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star weekend. And because ratings are down, because the game’s bad, we’re bringing in Rising Stars? That’s not a fix," he asserted.
A Question of Fairness and Legacy
Green’s frustrations didn’t stop there. He pointed out the unfairness of the new format, where players who worked tirelessly to become All-Stars were now limited to a game that ended at 40 points. "You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40, and then you’re done," he said. He specifically called out the impact on players like Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who took the game very seriously. "When you’re talking about chasing after the points record — ‘Melo and Kobe, all of these guys who have had great scoring nights. They don’t get the opportunity to do that with this game," he added, emphasizing the loss of a historic element in the All-Star game.
A Blunt Assessment
Green’s dissatisfaction was palpable throughout the night. When asked to rate the new format on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, his response was unambiguous. "A zero. Sucks," he said, leaving no room for misinterpretation. His blunt honesty was a reflection of his commitment to the integrity of the game and the respect he has for the All-Star tradition.
The Rising Stars Team: A Misfit in the Main Event
The second semifinal of the evening pitted Team Candace, the Rising Stars team, against Team Shaq. Before the game, Green was already critical. "Now we get the treat of watching the Olympic team play against a U-19 team. Come on, what are we doing?" he lamented. His comments were a clear indication that he believed the Rising Stars team was out of place in the main event, despite their efforts.
The Final Verdict: A Clear Message
After Team Shaq triumphed over the Rising Stars with a 42-35 victory, Green had a final say on the matter. When asked if the Rising Stars team proved anything to him with their effort, he was unequivocal. "Yes, that they shouldn’t have been out there. That’s all they proved. They never belonged on that court," he stated. Green’s comments may have been harsh, but they were a clear reflection of his deep-seated concerns about the direction the NBA is taking with the All-Star format.
In summary, Draymond Green’s unfiltered and passionate critique of the NBA’s new All-Star format was a stark reminder of the importance of respecting the game’s traditions and the hard work required to earn the prestigious All-Star status. His words may have stirred controversy, but they also sparked a conversation about the future of the All-Star game and the value it holds for the players and the fans.
