The NBA All-Star Game has seen a noticeable dip in quality in recent years. What was once a crowning night in the NBA calendar has now turned into a glorified shootaround, with average scores going way beyond 150.
As a result, the league has been looking to take measures to improve the quality and competition in the game. With fans voicing their displeasure, a breath of fresh air in players’ mindset came in thanks to international sensation Victor Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama Sets the Tone for the All-Star Game
The 7’4″ center has been a revelation since he came into the league, and perhaps even before that. With his combination of size and skill, Wembanyama has wowed the NBA fandom at large.
But it hasn’t just been a case of empty calories as the Frenchman has already entered top-10-player conversations in just his second season.
Currently averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and nearly four blocks (3.7) a night, he earned his first All-Star selection as the game heads to San Francisco for 2025.
Speaking about his approach to the game, his answer may warm fans’ hearts, who have long been critical of the game. “I’m not here to make friends. I know not everybody thinks like that.”
'Not here to make friends'👀
Victor Wembanyama is all business ahead of his first All-Star Game appearance.🏀⭐ pic.twitter.com/yXd3OBq4Yw
— KENS 5 (@KENS5) February 16, 2025
However, last year’s Rookie of the Year winner did mention that there was some guidance he wanted from some of the game’s greats. “I have some questions for some of the greats, the OGs, but I’m definitely not here to make friends.”
The OGs as he mentioned could be the team that Shaquille O’Neal drafted for the new tournament format of the All-Star Game, comprising certified legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
WATCH: Wembanyama, Chris Paul Booed After Getting Disqualified From Skills Challenge
In particular, he mentioned James by name as someone he had the questions for. The San Antonio franchise cornerstone will be a part of Charles Barkley’s team, Chuck’s Global Stars, sharing the court with the likes of Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, among others.
Between a concentrated effort from the league to improve the game itself by way of a tournament and the comments from this year’s leader in the Defensive Player of the Year race, this is shaping this year’s event to be different from the recent iterations.
