KD despises new ASG format: I 'absolutely hate it'
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant isn't a fan of the NBA's new All-Star Game format.
"I hate it. Absolutely hate it," Durant told reporters Tuesday, including Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports. "Terrible. … We should just go back to East-West and just play a game.
"I think we've been trying to bring that flare back somehow with the All-Star Weekend. But I think we just keep it traditional. But we'll see how this one works. You never know. I might be wrong."
The revamped All-Star Game is now a mini-tournament featuring three eight-player rosters and the winner of the Rising Stars game.
TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith will each draft their roster from a pool of 24 All-Star selections. Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker will serve as GM for the Rising Stars champion.
The tournament will consist of two semifinal matchups followed by a championship game.
The first team to reach 40 points in each contest will be declared the winner.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has openly discussed a format change following last year's lackluster event in Indianapolis. However, he's also conceded that the All-Star Game may never be "truly competitive" regardless of what tweaks are made.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will take place in San Francisco at the Chase Center.