“This sucks, it ain’t basketball”: Draymond Green rips NBA’s new All-Star format during the game’s broadcast

During the NBA All-Star Game broadcast, Draymond Green didn’t hold back his criticism of the new All-Star format. The Golden State Warriors star slammed the new mini format of the game. Green voiced his strong disapproval in the middle of the game, showing frustration with the revamped structure and the direction the event has taken. His comments sparked further debate about the evolving nature of the All-Star as he joined several stars, fans, and analysts nodding to the criticism of the new format.

Draymond Green was sharp on his comment on his recent broadcast as he didn't hold back thoughts on the NBA All-Star Game’s new format during the broadcast. The Warriors star criticized the mini-tournament structure, claiming it was not fair to players who earned their All-Star spots. While speaking on the TNT desk during the game, the Warriors veteran gave his remark on the new format unveiled by the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver.

"I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star weekend," Green said. “And because ratings are down, because 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. And these guys get to touch the All-Star floor? On Sunday night?" he added.
Under the new setup, four teams compete in a semifinal, with the first team to reach 40 points advancing. Green expressed his frustration, calling out the system for not respecting the effort of those selected through traditional All-Star voting.
The 34-year-old went on to add, "You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40, and then you're done. This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama, who just took this game very seriously; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who just took this game really seriously.”
Green further expressed his disappointment arguing it takes away from the traditional scoring battles of legends like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. He criticized the focus on the Rising Stars and the new tournament setup, suggesting it diminished the opportunity for iconic players to chase scoring records. Green also mocked the matchups, comparing it to watching an Olympic team face a U-19 squad, questioning the direction the All-Star Game has taken.
"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,” Green continued.
"All so we can watch some Rising Stars. Now we get the treat of watching the Olympic team play against a U-19 team. Come on, what are we doing?" he shared adding “This sucks, it ain’t basketball.”
Also Read: Team Shaq OGs win: results, score, and highlights from the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend (02/16)
The new All-Star format has been the talk of the town since its announcement while mostly being at the receiving end of criticism. As for the game of this season, Team Shaq OGs claimed a dominant 41-25 victory over Team Chuck Global Stars to secure this year’s NBA All-Star Championship.