In a frank and shocking discussion, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant expressed deep skepticism about the future of the NBA All-Star Game, declaring the event “cannot be fixed” and placing much of the blame on longtime veterans—including former teammate Stephen Curry.
On the latest episode of Unguarded, Durant engaged in a heated dialogue with teammate Fred VanVleet about the severe decline in the All-Star Game’s competitiveness. When VanVleet asked how the league could improve it, Durant replied bluntly: “Ain’t no fixing it.“
Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors and forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns look on in the game against Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
Durant explained that this perspective was shaped by his own recent experience. He countered the notion that the issue stems from stars opting out, emphasizing that even when he participated, the game lacked cohesion and intensity.
VanVleet framed it as a leadership mindset issue. He suggested young stars like Anthony Edwards or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would play more seriously if seasoned veterans set a competitive tone.
Durant, however, rejected this. He defended Anthony Edwards—who has publicly expressed a desire to compete—and pointed the finger squarely: “OG’s the problem now.“
Durant asserted that he and LeBron James always take the All-Star Game seriously, but narrowed his criticism to two specific names: “I’m blaming Steph. I’m blaming Dame (Damian Lillard) too.”
According to Durant, it was Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard who helped “normalize” excessive showmanship in the game. He argued that their repeated half-court shooting displays have pulled the All-Star Game away from legitimate competition, turning it into a pure spectacle.
VanVleet maintained that veterans bear overall responsibility for the game’s “tone,” but Durant held firm: the problem is deeply rooted and unsolvable through minor tweaks.
The NBA has continued experimenting with new formats to revive the All-Star Game. In 2026 at the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome, the event will feature a new structure: two USA teams and one World team in a round-robin tournament.
But will these changes address the concerns of players like Kevin Durant? The question of balancing entertainment and competition on the season’s biggest stage remains unanswered.
Kevin Durant’s criticism is more than a personal attack; it’s a wake-up call for the entire All-Star Game culture. When a two-time champion and All-Star legend speaks out, it’s clear the NBA faces an identity crisis. Will Steph Curry, Damian Lillard, and other “OGs” respond? More importantly, do fans still want to watch a game that the players themselves no longer believe in?
Once again, Kevin Durant isn’t afraid to break the silence. And this time, the targets are his old friends.