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[Saba Sports News] Larry Bird has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and his candid remarks about the NBA All-Star Game highlight his dissatisfaction with how the event has evolved. Speaking to former Celtics reporter Bob Ryan, Bird called the modern All-Star Game a “joke” and expressed his disappointment with the lack of competitiveness that now defines the mid-season showcase.
When asked about his attitude toward All-Star games during his career, Bird’s response was straightforward: “I wanted to win. Period.”
He emphasized that while players were mindful of avoiding injuries, the games were still competitive. “You played basketball. And you wanted to win. We’ve gotten away from that. How elementary is that?”
Bird reportedly finds the current iteration of the event “awful” and admitted he was “disgusted” after attending last year’s game, describing it as a hollow spectacle.
During a conversation with Ryan at his Naples, Florida, home, Bird reflected on the All-Star Games of his era, a time when players like himself, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan approached the event with pride and determination.
For Bird, those games were an opportunity to prove dominance among the league’s best. In stark contrast, today’s All-Star Game prioritizes flashy dunks, three-point shots, and minimal defense, leading to what Bird sees as a diluted experience.
Attempts by the NBA to reignite interest, such as reverting to the traditional East vs. West format, have not had the desired effect. Last year’s game, which ended with a combined score of 397 points, epitomized the lack of defensive effort and competitiveness.
Even Bird’s invitation to the event alongside legends like Julius Erving to inspire players fell flat. Despite his plea to “play hard” and “show the fans how good they really are,” the game quickly reverted to the same lackluster style.
Bird’s frustrations go beyond just format issues; they reflect a deeper concern about the pride and effort of today’s stars. For him, the All-Star Game should be a celebration of elite talent, with players genuinely competing to prove they belong. Instead, it has become a spectacle he and many fans find unwatchable.
The NBA is set to introduce a four-team tournament format for the All-Star Game in 2025, hoping to inject stakes into the event. However, Bird’s criticism underscores the need for more than structural tweaks. Real change will require players to embrace the competitive spirit that once made the game a must-see highlight of the NBA calendar.
For Larry Bird, the All-Star Game’s current state is a missed opportunity to showcase basketball at its finest. Unless today’s stars take pride in playing hard, the event will remain a far cry from the thrilling battles that defined Bird’s era.