The NBA is once again tweaking the All-Star Game format, this time rolling out a USA vs. World setup in hopes of injecting some much-needed energy into what’s become a glorified shootaround in recent years. The league’s been under fire for the lack of competitive spirit in the midseason showcase, and this latest change is a clear attempt to raise the stakes-national pride, at least in theory, should mean something.
Kevin Durant, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, is already stirring the pot ahead of the event. With two Team USA squads in the mix, Durant’s group has been split up, but he’s making it clear that effort won’t be an issue on his end. In fact, he’s pointing the finger elsewhere-specifically at the World Team-and he’s naming names.
“You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete,” Durant said during a recent media session. “If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic now, let's go back and look at what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition?”
Durant's frustration is aimed at what he sees as a double standard. While American veterans often catch heat for dialing it back during the exhibition, he believes international stars like Doncic and Jokic have skated by without scrutiny-despite, in his eyes, showing even less interest in competing.
“These dudes be laying on the floor. They're shooting from half court,” Durant said.
“But you've got to worry about the old heads playing hard? I can read between the lines, bro.”
"You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete. If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic now, let's go back and look at what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition?"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026
- Kevin Durant 👀
(via @mshap2)pic.twitter.com/7wQq3URQO0
It’s not the first time the All-Star Game’s effort level has been questioned, and Durant’s comments echo a broader sentiment among fans and analysts: the game has lost its edge. Once a stage for the league’s best to go head-to-head in a showcase of skill and pride, the All-Star Game has in recent years drifted toward a laid-back, highlight-reel affair with little defense and even less urgency.
Doncic and Jokic, for all their brilliance during the regular season and playoffs, have indeed taken a more relaxed approach to the All-Star Game. You’ll often see them trotting up the court, pulling up from deep, or tossing lobs with a smile.
But they’re far from the only ones. Plenty of American stars have coasted through the game as well, treating it more like a vacation than a competition.
Still, Durant’s challenge is clear: if we’re going to talk about effort, let’s talk about everyone. And with this new USA vs. World format, the spotlight is now squarely on who’s going to bring it-and who’s just there for the vibes.
There are always a few players who decide to flip the switch, go hard, and chase that All-Star MVP trophy. They’re usually the ones racking up points, diving for loose balls, and setting the tone.
Maybe this new setup will inspire more of that. Maybe not.
But one thing’s for sure: with Durant calling out some of the league’s biggest names, the competitive fire might just be getting stoked a little earlier this year.
Now it’s on the players to respond-on both sides.