The Kevin O'Connor Show 7 biggest takeaways from All-Star Weekend, NBA tanking crisis & Cedric Coward joins the show!
Feb 16, 2026
Cedric Coward, rookie Grizzlies guard breaking out with defensive versatility and rapid on-court growth. Ben Golliver, NBA writer and podcaster tracking league trends and tanking debates. They discuss All-Star Weekend takeaways, the NBA’s tanking crisis and potential lottery fixes, rookie development, tough defensive matchups, and how teams are reshaping around young stars.
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New All-Star Format Worked
- The All-Star Weekend three-team, shorter-game format created urgency and made matchups competitive instead of exhibition-like.
- Kevin O’Connor says the NBA should keep experimenting with three or four-team formats to preserve energy and entertainment.
Promote The New Guard
- Kevin argues the NBA must promote younger stars like Anthony Edwards alongside the old guard to grow the league.
- He says TV scheduling and promotion should create more space for the new generation without dumping veterans.
Rebuild Saturday Night Events
- Reimagine Saturday night with new competitions like a one-on-one tournament to restore energy and relevance.
- Kevin O’Connor suggests stricter rules and prize incentives to lure stars and revive interest.