As the NBA gears up for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant took a moment at the mic after his last game before the break to tackle a question that’s been buzzing around for years.
At 37 and gearing up for his 16th All-Star appearance, Durant made it clear that he doesn’t think the spotlight of concern should be on him or the veteran-heavy USA Stripes roster.
This year’s All-Star Game features a new USA vs. World setup. Two American squads and one international team will compete in a round-robin tournament. The league hopes the change could bring back intensity to an event often criticized for limited defense and highlight-style possessions.
Durant questioned why scrutiny continues to fall on the American veterans.
“You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they're going to compete,” Durant said. “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? So we haven’t questioned what they’ve been doing. But we’re going to question the old heads and the Americans.”
Durant is part of a veteran core that includes LeBron James, who’s 41, and Kawhi Leonard, 34. Stephen Curry, also 37, will be sidelined due to injury. Together, Durant, James and Leonard have racked up an impressive 45 All-Star Game appearances, along with multiple championships, MVP awards and Olympic gold medals.
Durant suggested the criticism has been uneven.
“These two dudes out there, Luka and Jokic, they don’t care about the game at all,” Durant said. “These dudes be laying on the floor. They’re shooting from half court. But you’ve got to worry about the old heads playing hard? I can read between the lines.”
The All-Star Game has drawn strong television ratings, but frustration has grown in basketball circles over the lack of effort and defensive intensity. The NBA has adjusted its formats multiple times in recent seasons, seeking a balance between entertainment and competition.
Durant acknowledged uncertainty about whether this version will be different.
“This format might change the game, but who knows? We’ll see,” he said.
International players have been closing the gap with Team USA lately, especially with some nail-biting Olympic matchups in Paris. However, Durant pointed out that the stakes in the Olympics are a whole different ballgame compared to All-Star Weekend.
Sunday’s game may not define legacies. But it will test whether pride, format changes and public scrutiny can restore edge to an event that once carried more competitive weight.
For Durant and the other veterans, the message is straightforward: Don’t question their effort.
The NBA All-Star Game will begin at 5 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC and Peacock.