The Athletic NBA Daily Is the All Star Game Back??
Feb 16, 2026
Panelists break down the new All Star format and whether the tournament-style quarters can stick. They recap the three-point and slam dunk contests and argue how Saturday night could be tightened. Conversation turns to Adam Silver’s words on tanking and what draft reform might look like. The show closes with players and storylines to watch after a charged weekend in LA.
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Episode notes
Scheduling Created Fatigue Problems
- Fatigue became obvious when one team played three quarters in a row, reducing late-game competitiveness.
- The world vs. U.S. theme motivated veteran pride but also contributed to late-game drop-off.
Star Apathy Undermines The Event
- High-profile nonparticipation (e.g., Luka, Jokic) undercut the event's competitive credibility.
- Hosts argued stars who appear disinterested should face accountability to preserve the spectacle.
Tweak Format To Reduce Fatigue
- Adjust the format to prevent one team from playing three straight quarters and add breaks or shorten quarters.
- Consider rotating themes or adding Rising Stars to preserve variety and reduce fatigue.