Adam Silver’s plans are finally seeing the light of dawn. The NBA Commissioner is desperately looking for ways to make the league more interesting for the audience. Of course, the 48% viewership dip since 2012 was a major blow to the elite sports’ reputation. But, with the release of the NBA All-Star games’ format, the ringmaster might be in a bit of trouble here. Besides, Kevin Durant is once again siding with the fans, and that in no way is good news.

The Phoenix Suns superstar, Kevin Durant never holds back when he wants to speak his mind. Thus sharing a piece of his mind, the 36-year-old power forward simply said: “I hate it.” 14-time All-Star, 2x champion, KD just cannot wrap his head around the idea of the new four teams and three-game format of the All-Star tournament.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Durant commented: “I hate it. Absolutely hate it. I agree. Terrible. All-Star Game, four maps changing. All the formats. Terrible, in my opinion. And we should just go back to East-West.” It looks like he sees no point in having the Inside The NBA-themed format. With Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley at the helm of the teams, Kevin Durant doesn’t really find the revamped version appealing.

 

KD added: “I think we’ve been trying to bring that flair back somehow with the All-Star Weekend, but I think we just keep it traditional. We’ll see how this one works. You never know, I might be wrong. I’m just another guy with another opinion. But we’ll see how it works.”

Well, Durant isn’t the only one who’s hating the entire idea. The fans, the makers of superstars are hating the concept. Is it good news for Adam Silver & Co.? Do you think so?

Fans find an ally in Kevin Durant as discontent over new All-Star format spikes

“Why can’t it just be like before,” an ardent fan of the league wanted to know. Well, you may say the previous format was simpler. One team from the east and one team from the west met for a 48-minute face-off. But now with a more complex format of four teams and three games, it looks like not just Kevin Durant but fans aren’t happy with the currently twisted regulations. Simply put, no one particularly likes things to be difficult around their favorite sport.

Another fan asked: “If it ain’t broke why fix it?” Adam Silver surely has to reflect on this question. This transformation- was it truly needed? Is this a desperate attempt at making the stars ‘work hard’ in the All-Star games? Or is it just a business-related concern revolving around the league’s $76 million TV deal?

Someone said: “Let’s see how this place out. My guess is we are back to the old structure next season.” Well, Kevin Durant is also talking about the old format or rather the simpler format. So, fans are assuming that if the revamped version doesn’t work out, the league will go back to its previous ways. Moreover, the rewind could happen as early as the 2025-26 season!

We kid you not when we say the NBA fans are brutally honest about their likes and dislikes. And,

“If anyone reads all these rules please reply with a recap. NBA is cooked,” is the perfect example of that. The league’s 28% dip on ESPN and Kevin Durant’s recent nod to fans pointing out Adam Silver’s insufferable struggles just add to the whole “cooked” point. And dare we say it, the scenario is far from perfect.

Things are confusing to KD himself, his constant back and forth with NBA legend Charles Barkley could be another reason behind the 14x All-Star’s distaste for the latest update. But, the major worry and buzz among fans is the fact that the All-Star games might be losing their spark. Thus someone simply suggested:

“Don’t try too hard! This will be interesting.” Silver lining much? A speck of hope among all the pessimism? Maybe things are going to work out perfectly.

But until then, we’ve got to wait for Feb 16 to unfold itself. Chase Center will become the spot of action and drama as the All-Star games will commence. And well, Kevin Durant could be on one of the teams, giving his all for the 15th badge, who knows?