Anthony Edwards Sides With Kevin Durant in Criticism of NBA All-Star Format

Minnesota's star guard does not have the answer to improve the All-Star game.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has joined Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant in criticizing the NBA's new All-Star game format. Edwards said the competitiveness of the game "is what it is at this point" and that the intensity seen in past All-Star games from the 1980s to 2000s is not something he expects to be duplicated. Edwards was seen in the crowd agreeing with Durant's assessment that the high-level of play often talked about in older All-Star games has not actually been seen.

Why it matters

The NBA's All-Star weekend has become a platform for players to voice their criticisms about the format and state of the league rather than a true celebration of the game. Edwards and Durant's comments highlight the growing sentiment among players that the All-Star game lacks the competitiveness and intensity that fans expect.

The details

The NBA is debuting a new three-team format for the 2026 All-Star game, with two teams consisting of American players and the other of international players. When asked if he thinks the new format will improve the competitiveness, Edwards bluntly responded "Yeah it is what it is at this point." He also said he does not believe the intensity of the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal game between Team USA and France can be duplicated in the NBA All-Star game.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star game will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Edwards was asked about the new All-Star format on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is making his fourth appearance in the NBA All-Star game.

Kevin Durant

A veteran forward for the Brooklyn Nets who has been critical of the competitiveness and intensity of recent NBA All-Star games.

Victor Wembenyama

A young French basketball player who is considered one of the top prospects in the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah it is what it is at this point”

— Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Guard (SI.com)

“I've been watching all star games from the 80's to the 2000's and the intensity the older generation been talking about... *KD shakes his head* I don't know if I've seen it”

— Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets Forward (Twitter)

“Them folks got Wembenyama, they'll be alright.”

— Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Guard (SI.com)

What’s next

The new NBA All-Star game format will debut on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the final championship game starting at 6:10 p.m. CT.

The takeaway

Edwards and Durant's criticism of the NBA All-Star game format highlights the growing sentiment among players that the event has lost its competitive edge and intensity, becoming more of a platform for voicing complaints about the league rather than a true celebration of the game. The NBA will need to find ways to reinvigorate the All-Star experience if it wants to regain the interest and excitement of both players and fans.