Why the NBA All-Star Game’s New Format and Broadcast Are Facing Backlash: The Kevin Hart Controversy Explained

Sunday’s NBA All-Star tournament was a huge disappointment. From the strange format to the excessive antics of Kevin Hart, many fans were left dissatisfied.

The NBA tried something new by hosting a three-game mini-tournament. Unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with viewers. For one, one of the teams didn’t even feature All-Stars, which frustrated players like Draymond Green.

The first game between Team Chuck and Team Kenny had moments of excitement, especially with players like Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showing competitive spirit. But as the night wore on, the focus shifted away from basketball and toward the many distractions happening on screen.

Speaking for many, TNT’s Kenny Smith predicted that the format would likely change back in future events. He made this remark just before Jayson Tatum made a game-winning dunk.

The issues surrounding the game weren’t limited to its format. Kevin Hart, who was heavily featured throughout the broadcast, drew a lot of criticism. Many felt his jokes and segments interrupted the game and detracted from the action. His controversial comments about Shaquille O’Neal even sparked backlash on social media.

Fans were left scratching their heads as bizarre segments played out, such as a promotion featuring Mr. Beast. Viewers wondered why they were watching extended ads instead of the actual game.

One of the most jarring moments was an unplanned tribute to the TNT broadcast crew, which halted gameplay. During the championship game, an extended break was taken to honor Shaquille O’Neal and others. This pause lasted almost 20 minutes, leaving fans frustrated, particularly as it interrupted the flow of the game.

Even players felt the impact of these long breaks. Trae Young voiced concerns about how fans just want to see players compete rather than watch interruptions. As a result, the All-Star Game ended up feeling lackluster and disconnected from its basketball roots.

Overall, this All-Star event left much to be desired. Many are hoping that next year’s show, potentially on a different network, will be a return to form.