Less than a week from now, the Bay Area will host the annual NBA All-Star weekend. Along with providing a brief break from the hustle and bustle of the regular season, it will bring a series of events that will challenge the biggest players we love in a new light. Given how criticism against the All-Star game reportedly rose over the years, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver declared back in November 2024: “We’re looking at other formats”. Sure enough, a new format was announced, with hoop legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley getting personally and heavily involved. Now, further details have been provided.

The 74th, and upcoming, annual NBA All-Star Weekend will have its main event take a different approach. Previously, the event was an East vs. West competition, with two team captains drafting their roster.

But now, the game will be played in a tournament-style competition. 4 teams, comprising 8 players each, will go up against each other. Earlier today, the NBA announced the official names of the teams! Big Diesel’s iconic roster will be known as Shaq’s OGs and Charles Barkley’s team is called Chuck’s Global Stars. Meanwhile, Kenny Smith has the honor of having his players call themselves members of Kenny’s Young Stars. WNBA legend Candace Parker’s team, whose roster is yet to be announced, will go as Candace’s Rising Stars.

Why those names, you wonder?

Well, because they live up to the context brought forward through them. Shaq’s OGs are made up of names like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, etc. Players who have devoted over a decade to basketball, and boast championship and MVP titles to back their prowess. Given how Kevin Durant had reportedly shown a disinterest in returning to the Golden State Warriors, recently, the reunion between him and Stephen Curry could be ‘awkward’.

Meanwhile, Chuck’s Global Stars boasts international players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, etc. Giannis Antetokounmpo was also initially a part of the team. However, his ongoing issues with the mild left calf strain will cause Trae Young to step in as his replacement. Finally, Kenny’s Young Stars consists of ‘Future OGs’ of the league like 28YO Jalen Brunson, 23YO Anthony Edwards, 25YO Tyler Herro, etc.

The 4th team (spearheaded by the mind and experience of Candace Parker) will not consist of any selected All-Stars, but the winner of the Castrol Rising Stars. It is a four-team tournament that will feature three squads of top NBA rookies, and second-year players.

According to the new rules, two teams will meet in one semifinal matchup during the All-Star Weekend, while the remaining two sides are part of the other semifinal game. The winning teams from Game 1 and Game 2 will advance to compete in the championship game. Chuck’s Global Stars will go up against Kenny’s Young Stars and Shaq’s OGs will face Candace’s Rising Stars.

The winner of each game will be the first team that reaches or surpasses, 40 points. Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s teams will most likely be facing each other in the final. Fair to say, right? This will surely make up for some interesting competition!

After all, the longtime ‘Inside the NBA’ viewers have grown up enjoying the antics the legendary duo pulled off on/with each other on the show. So, they would especially love to see which former player goes on to win more boasting rights.

With so many renowned names making the event special, could it BE any more interesting? (If you read that in Chandler Bing’s voice, then Kudos!). It certainly can be, as highlighted by the return of a prominent comedian to the NBA court.

Kevin Hart set to take over All-Star game as first-ever ‘On-court emcee’ and maybe more!

The team names weren’t today’s only official update. The NBA also announced that it will bring Kevin Hart to serve as the first-ever on-court emcee of the NBA All-Star Game. He will be a part of the star lineup, including big names like ‘Calling All Hearts’ singer DJ Cassidy, Grammy-winning singer H.E.R., etc. LAFD firefighter Dennis Rodriguez, accompanied by a presentation of the colors by fellow firefighters, will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Brampton native Alessia Cara will sing the Canadian national anthem.

We have all grown to love Kevin Hart, as the individual who has made the world laugh with his comedy routines and hilarious antics. However, the 45-year-old has also gotten several moments to shine on the NBA court. Fanatics will remember the 2016 All-Star weekend in Toronto when Hart had an impromptu three-point contest against Draymond Green.

On top of that, his hilarious trash-talking against players like Kevin Durant and James Harden has made the viral comic a lovable personality amongst fans, players, and pundits. Therefore, as officially highlighted by the NBA, Hart will be tasked to “bring his signature humor and energy to the reimagined All-Star Game format, providing commentary from the court as the play unfolds”.

As it turns out, the emcee role is not all that Hart wants. The NBA announced the comedian’s return to the court in a special segment which featured cameos from the ‘Inside the NBA’ hosts. The promo highlighted Hart’s humorous side as he refused to only accept Draymond Green’s proposal to sit and enjoy the game. Video calling Shaq, Hart asked to do everything from coaching to playing. After all, as he made it clear, “My Jumper Wet! My handle crazy. I’ve been working on that too. Hesi Game!”

Well, knowing the comedian, he will somehow find a way to get himself included in the game. The “Kevin Hart takeover” is imminent.

What are you looking forward to during the All-Star Weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.