Scottie Pippen blasts 2024 NBA All-Star Game claiming ‘it’s doing more harm than good’

The NBA All-Star weekend offers a well-deserved break from the regular season grind. The 73rd edition featured several unique elements that set it apart from previous years. Highlights included Stephen Curry’s special 3-point challenge with Sabrina Ionescu, LeBron James’ record-breaking 20th appearance, and the highly anticipated star-studded NBA All-Star game.

However, the NBA All-Star Game 2024 in Indianapolis was heavily criticized by NBA fans all over social media for not being competitive. While fans relish the chance to see their favorite players perform together, many felt disappointed with the game’s level of competition. The fans were not wrong, which is indicated by the backing of a former NBA star.

Scottie Pippen criticizes 2024 NBA All-Star Game

The former star in question is the 6-time NBA Champion Scottie Pippen. The ex-Bulls star was far from happy with the All-Star game, and he made sure everyone got to know about it.

The 58-year-old said in a press conference that he is glad he didn’t watch the game. “I think we have been seeing this for the last few years, with the All-Star game, and the importance of the game.” He believes that it depends on the player whether he wants to give his effort and perform in the game or not.

The former Bulls star without holding back said, “Maybe the players are making too much money, they don’t feel that they can generate the energy, the excitement in mid-season to go out and excite the fans anymore. It’s something the league has to take a look at because it’s doing more harm than good to the game right now.”

This year recorded the highest-scoring game in the event’s history, giving East the ultimate victory by 211-186. The NBA community pointed out that there was a lack of defensive abilities and willingness to play the game from the players, leading to a total of 397 points.

Why is the NBA All-Star Game underperforming?

The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had emphasized the importance that the All-Star weekend holds. Though the individual viewership was higher this year, much like last year the game was less competitive.

It is not like the time when Kobe Bryant got his nose fractured in the 2012 All-Star game by Dwayne Wade anymore. Especially with the implementation of the NBA 65-game rule, players do not want to take the risk of injuries that could affect their individual award-winning opportunities.

Players have confessed that they like to enjoy these games and not play with more aggression to avoid injuries. When LeBron James was asked about the lack of competitiveness, he said, “I think it’s something we need to figure out.”

Even if NBA tried putting in more money, that will not help as the team contains only star players who will not be affected by the money for the glamourous weekend. NBA needs to find a fix for the issue so that both the players and fans can enjoy the star-studded game.