The NBA brought back the Shooting Stars competition for the first time in a decade at All-Star Saturday, and while the return sparked some nostalgia, it also raised eyebrows - and not just because of the long-range shots. The league’s growing embrace of social media influencers took center stage, quite literally, with comedian Druski stepping onto the court as a participant.
The result? A mix of entertainment and chaos that underscored the tension between showmanship and competition at All-Star Weekend.
Team Knicks Steals the Show
Let’s start with the basketball - because there was some high-level hooping on display. Team Knicks, featuring a trio of New York basketball names past and present, took home the Shooting Stars crown. Jalen Brunson, Allan Houston, and Karl-Anthony Towns (who, while not a Knick, has New York roots and was a welcome addition) combined to put on a clinic.
Brunson showed off the same poise and shot-making that’s made him a fourth-quarter killer in the regular season. Allan Houston, now 54, reminded everyone why he was one of the smoothest shooters of his era - the man still has range.
And Towns? He’s long been considered one of the best-shooting big men the league has ever seen, and this event gave him a chance to flex that skill in a fun, low-pressure setting.
But the real X-factor? Rick Brunson.
The longtime NBA point guard and current Knicks assistant coach served as the passer for Team Knicks - and his experience showed. Whether it was a crisp chest pass or a perfectly timed bounce feed, Rick kept the rhythm flowing for his shooters.
After nearly two decades in the league and just as many on the sidelines, he knows how to set up a shot.
Team All-Stars Falters with Druski at the Helm
On the other side of the bracket, things didn’t go quite as smoothly for Team All-Stars - and much of that had to do with Druski, the comedian and online personality who was tapped to participate in the event. Druski’s inclusion was clearly part of the NBA’s broader effort to blend basketball with pop culture, but once the competition tipped off, the gap between entertainer and athlete was hard to ignore.
During the opening round, Druski attempted a pass to Scottie Barnes that sailed well over the young star’s head and into the crowd. It was a moment that drew laughs, but also highlighted the risk of mixing influencers into a competition meant to showcase basketball skill. No one was hurt, thankfully, but it was a reminder that even in a lighthearted event, execution still matters.
Druski’s energy was there, no doubt. But his passing? Let’s just say it wasn’t on par with Rick Brunson’s.
The Ongoing Balancing Act of All-Star Weekend
This year’s Shooting Stars competition was a microcosm of the larger identity tug-of-war the NBA continues to navigate during All-Star Weekend. Commissioner Adam Silver has spoken often about wanting the All-Star Game and its surrounding events to be more competitive, more meaningful. But at the same time, the league continues to lean into entertainment-first decisions - like bringing in influencers or structuring events around viral moments.
Last year, for example, the league introduced a revamped All-Star Game format aimed at boosting competitiveness. But that same weekend was filled with extended tributes, influencer-led contests, and a heavy dose of spectacle. It’s a tricky balance: the NBA wants to grow its audience and stay culturally relevant, but it also wants the on-court product to be taken seriously by fans and players alike.
That’s where the Druski moment becomes more than just a funny clip. It’s emblematic of the fine line the league is walking. Fans can appreciate a good laugh, but when it comes to the actual competitions, there’s still a desire to see real basketball - even if it’s just for a few minutes on a Saturday night.
Team Cameron Brings the Heat
Credit where it’s due: Team Cameron, made up of former Duke standouts Kon Knueppel, Jalen Johnson, and Corey Maggette, put up a serious challenge. Their four-point shooting was lights-out, and they nearly pulled off the upset. But Team Knicks held strong, thanks to their chemistry, experience, and a little father-son synergy.
Bottom Line
The return of the Shooting Stars event had everything: nostalgia, big shots, and a touch of chaos. Team Knicks earned their win the right way - with smart passes, confident shooting, and a group that clearly enjoyed sharing the court. But the inclusion of a non-hooper like Druski in a competitive setting raised fair questions about what the NBA really wants All-Star Weekend to be.
If the league is serious about making these events matter again, it might need to think twice before turning the court into a stage for viral content. Because while the laughs are fun, the fans - and the players - still show up to see basketball.