The 2025 NBA All-Star Game introduced a bold new format, featuring a four-team mini-tournament with the three All-Star squads and the Rising Stars Challenge winners. While the NBA hoped this shake-up would revive the excitement of All-Star Weekend, the move has received heavy criticism—particularly from veteran players like Draymond Green.
But Charles Barkley wasn’t having any of it and directly called out Green’s generation for ruining the game in the first place. Barkley, who coached the Global Stars team, fired back at Green’s complaints, placing the blame squarely on the modern era’s players.
“I’m going to disagree with Draymond a lot. We trying anything. I use the analogy like when your kids mess up the house, you make them clean it up and they complain. They messed the game up.”
“That’s why we’re trying kamikaze stuff out here right now. His generation messed the game up. So act don’t like he’s mad they’re trying to use rookies. We’re doing every type of trick to make this weekend exciting.”
Charles Barkley: "I'm going to disagree with Draymond A LOT… They messed the game up!.. His generation messed the game up!… We're doing every type of trick to make this weekend exciting." #NBA https://t.co/v7CYFf3kFG pic.twitter.com/QiltQVt0RZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
This was a direct response to Green, who blasted the new format during TNT’s broadcast, giving it a “zero” rating on a scale of 1-10.
Green went on to say that the new format “sucks” and “isn’t real basketball.” But Barkley clapped back, essentially saying that players like Green, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry are responsible for making the All-Star Game unwatchable in the first place.
The NBA All-Star Game has long faced criticism for its lack of effort and competitiveness. Over the past decade, the event has shifted from a thrilling showcase of elite talent to a glorified scrimmage, with players barely playing defense and focusing solely on flashy plays.
Barkley pointed out that this lack of competitiveness led to the NBA experimenting with different formats, including the Elam Ending, the team draft system, and now this mini-tournament. The Hall of Famer believes the players’ lack of effort over the years is the real reason the league is forced to try something drastic.
While Barkley defended the new format, it remains to be seen if the NBA will stick with it next year. One thing is clear, though: the debate over who ruined the All-Star Game isn’t going away anytime soon.
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