Is it just me, or is there new life and excitement in the NBA? There’s just something about today’s stars who are drawing attention like “back in the day,” when guys like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were ruling the court.
Okay. There will never be another Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson or Larry Bird, but the current roster of NBA stars are certainly pulling their weight.
NBA All-Stars 2025
The NBA All-Stars featured the top talent in the NBA this year. LeBron James notched his 21st All-Star showing when he was selected to play, along with the other Western Conference starters: Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
This year’s Eastern Conference starters included Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was top of all players in fan voting but couldn’t participate due to a calf injury.
Over at the West, reserves included Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, LA Clippers guard James Harden, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Houston Rockets forward Alperen Sengun, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Thunder forward Jalen Williams.
The East reserves included Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, Bucks guard Damian Lillard, Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley and Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam.
So, it was a great showing. While the talent was great, some people didn’t care for the format, which was heavy on side shows and light on playing time.
Draymond Green Didn’t Like the All-Star Format
Former Michigan State Spartan and current Golden State Warriors champion Draymond Green made his thoughts clear on the new format.
“You work all year to be an All-Star, and you get to play to 40 and then you’re done,” he said. “This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama who just took this game really seriously. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who just took this game really seriously. When you talk about chasing after the points records…”
He added, “Melo, Kobe and all these guys who had great scoring nights, they don’t get the opportunity to do that. All so that we get the opportunity to watch some rising stars… Now we get the treat to watch the Olympic team against a U19 team… Come on, what are we doing. This is ridiculous.”
Honestly, Green’s comments are another sign of how lively and interesting the NBA has become. Having guys like this who just say what’s on their mind with no media filter is refreshing and keeps the audience coming back for more.