Stephen A. Smith singles out NBA players for blame as he deems new All-Star Game format 'an insult and a disgrace'

Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts about the new tournament style for the NBA All-Star Game on Tuesday on ESPN's "First Take."

"I hate it," Smith said. "It's a complete waste of time. ... I think, it's an insult and it's a disgrace to pioneers who have helped elevate the NBA product to what it is. I think it's a blemish on NBA players. I personally have no interest in even being there."

The NBA is considering changes to its All-Star Game format, according to ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday. It will include a tournament comprised of three All-Star teams and the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge, he reported.

Last season's All-Star Game came under fire, particularly for the defensive shortcomings of the players involved.

"I think there's no doubt that the players were disappointed as well in last year's All-Star Game," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. "We all want to do a better job providing competition and entertainment for our fans."

Veteran guard Steph Curry as well as other stars were called up to give their input on how the format can be tweaked.

Last season, the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 211-186. It was the highest-scoring All-Star Game in history.

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What to expect from the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be hosted by the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Feb. 16. This will be the fourth time the Warriors will host the exhibition game since 2000.

The Golden State Warriors are hosting the 2025 NBA All-Star Game - Source: Imagn

The tipoff will most likely be around 8 or 9 p.m. ET. And for the 23rd consecutive year, the game will be televised on TNT, before it returns to NBC the next season with LA Clippers Intuit Dome as its next host.