Larry Bird doesn’t often make public appearances. So when he does, people take notice. He set the tone for the All-Star Game in a very simple statement. But NBA fans are complaining that the All-Stars didn’t take heed of Bird’s very reasonable comments. While there were high expectations before the game, it turned out to be a one-sided drubbing which wasn’t ever really close.

During the Legends brunch on Sunday, the Celtics legend had said, “The one thing I would really like to see is they play hard tonight in this All-Star Game.” He even added the responsibility lies on the players who have this honor. “I think it’s very important when you have the best players in the world together, you’ve gotta compete, and you’ve gotta play hard, and you’ve gotta show the fans how good they really are.”

This was before the 2023 All-Star game was heavily criticized for its lack of entertainment and thrill by NBA veterans and fans alike. Commissioner Adam Silver initiated a change in the format for 2024. Bird’s speech elicited praise and reactions from the NBA community.

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Larry Bird made his 12 All-Star appearances when the NBA became thrilling enough to be broadcast live. He consecutively won the first three 3-point contests. and was the 1982 All-Star MVP. He arrived at the Legends Brunch on Sunday with that spectacular resume and made this comment.

Some within NBA media have been openly critical of the All-Star format. While these sportscasters caused a divide in opinion, most agree with Larry Bird that the current class of All-Stars needs this reminder.

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Taking cognizance of the criticism in 2023, Adam Silver brought back its classic format for the first time since 2017. The Eastern All-Stars set the record for most points scored with 211, beating the West by 25 points. Though Bird asked the 24 NBA pros to “play hard” fans don’t think that happened this game.

It was also the first All-Star game to surpass the 200-point mark. However, some commented that Damian Lillard won All-Star MVP in a game that lacked competition. Some even claim they’ve seen more intense competition in their neighborhoods.

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Others invoked the prophet of Mamba Mentality, after whom the All-Star MVP trophy is named. Fans don’t see Kobe Bryant’s panache to make the game thrilling this weekend.

The format changes were to bring back the excitement and restore ratings. However, fans believe Larry Bird provided the simplest solution to fix the issues.

Fans aren’t sure if Bird was left impressed. He was caught looking rather bored at the game, making Logan Roy’s annoyed comment from Succession fit the atmosphere.

Bird rarely steps out of his quiet life to speak in the media. He entertained at the brunch with his hilarious career anecdotes. But going by his expression, it would be difficult to bring him out to another All-Star Game.

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