Victor Wembanyama makes his feelings clear on new All-Star format amid its criticism from Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis

Victor Wembanyama is the latest NBA Star to weigh in on the new All-Star game format. Instead of the East-West style last season, the league will introduce a new format to hopefully bring excitement back to the game.

The 24 All-Stars will be divided into three eight-man groups, while the winner of the rookies/sophomores Rising Stars game will comprise the fourth team.

A target score decides the winner of each game in a single-game elimination format. The mini-tournament is another attempt by the NBA to curb fans’ disappointment about lack of competitiveness in the All-Star game.

Victor Wembanyama made his feelings known about the proposed format:

“I’m personally wondering how to put competitiveness back into the All-Star game. When I set foot on that court though, I’m gonna be competitive for sure. But I don’t think anything beats the old school East vs. West format.”

Kevin Durant started the criticism about the latest change in the annual event. The Phoenix Suns superstar told reporters on Tuesday:

"I hate it, I absolutely hate it. Terrible. All-Star Game format changing, all the formats -- terrible in my opinion. We should just go back to East-West. … I think we've been trying to bring that flare back somehow with All-Star Weekend, I think we just keep the tradition. We'll see how this one works. You never know, I might be wrong.”

Anthony Davis commented:

“I don’t really like it. But we’ll see how it goes this year and see if they change it or not.”

Victor Wembanyama did not make it to the All-Star game that was blasted by analysts and fans. The East won 211-186, the highest-scoring game in the history of the competition.

---

Victor Wembanyama is on track to make his first NBA All-Star game selection

Victor Wembanyama almost made it to the All-Star game in 2024 as a reserve. The frontcourt players for the West were Karl-Anthony Towns, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis. KAT is in New York, while Leonard has not played a game this season, making it likely for Wemby to get a nod.

The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year also likely gets selected regardless of the competition. Wembanyama has been sizzling after a slow start. The Alien is averaging 24.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.8 blocks per game.

Over his last 10 games, he leads the San Antonio Spurs with 27.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.2 APG and 3.9 BPG.