Dalton Knecht had the perfect response to Draymond Green’s criticism after the Rising Stars team competed in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game Tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie, who was part of Candace Parker’s Rising Stars squad, kept it short and sharp when asked about Green’s comments.
“It’s Draymond. He’s just talking.”
“It’s Draymond. He’s just talking”
Dalton Knecht on Draymond Green’s criticism of the Rising Stars playing on Sunday night@FanDuel | #nbaallstar pic.twitter.com/ZnSjAlZuch
— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) February 17, 2025
The exchange stemmed from Green’s strong opposition to the NBA allowing the Rising Stars Challenge winners to compete in the All-Star Game. The Golden State Warriors veteran, who has never been one to hold back his opinions, blasted the format change and dismissed the idea of younger players sharing the court with established All-Stars.
Green’s frustration seemed to be rooted in the idea that earning a spot in the All-Star Game should come through merit and years of consistency, rather than winning a showcase game. However, Knecht and the Rising Stars quickly proved that they belonged on the court.
Despite their 42-35 loss to Shaq’s OGs, the Rising Stars put up a strong fight against a veteran team featuring the likes of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Jaylen Brown.
Knecht led his squad with eight points and two rebounds on 3-for-6 shooting, showing off the elite three-point shooting and scoring ability that have made him a rising name in the league. Amen Thompson also impressed, finishing with four points, three rebounds, and four assists.
Meanwhile, Shaq’s OGs relied on their veteran experience to close the game. Damian Lillard was the leading scorer with nine points, while Stephen Curry and Jaylen Brown each added eight points. Kevin Durant contributed four points, three rebounds, and three assists, showing his all-around game.
The game itself was more competitive than many expected. The Rising Stars came out with high energy, playing with the kind of intensity rarely seen in recent All-Star Games. While Team Shaq ultimately took the win, the young squad’s defensive effort and transition play forced the game into a tight contest, proving that their inclusion wasn’t just a gimmick.
The format change has sparked plenty of debate, with some siding with Green’s argument that All-Star spots should be earned traditionally, while others believe the addition of young talent could help inject more excitement into a game that has become more casual and lacking in competitiveness. The Rising Stars’ performance certainly helped validate the latter point.
For Knecht, the simple clapback was enough to dismiss Green’s complaints without adding unnecessary drama. His approach mirrored his calm and confident demeanor on the court, as he held his own against NBA legends and future Hall of Famers.
Even though Shaq’s OGs won the battle, the Rising Stars earned their respect. Whether or not the format remains in future years, Knecht and his squad proved that young talent can hold their own against the best in the world. Green may not have been a fan, but the Rising Stars made a statement on the biggest stage.
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