Udonis Haslem Refuses to Let Kevin Durant Off The Hook Over All Star ‘Blame Game’

Udonis Haslem called out Kevin Durant for deflecting All-Star Game decline chaos onto the Europeans.

Udonis Haslem Refuses to Let Kevin Durant Off The Hook Over All Star ‘Blame Game’

Udonis Haslem on Kevin Durant (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Udonis Haslem criticized Kevin Durant for blaming European players for the decline of the All-Star Game, emphasizing collective accountability.
  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will feature a new round-robin format with Team USA vs. Team World to enhance competitiveness.
  • Blake Griffin echoed Haslem's sentiments, stating that the lack of competitiveness in the All-Star Game is an issue for all players, not just a select few.

The NBA All-Star weekend of 2026 is just days away. There seems to be some excitement amongst the fans as it may be the last time the NBA world will witness the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry all together possibly for the last time at the event.

There were concerns if James would be named as an All-Star this year due to missing a number of games and a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign. But in the end, he was named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the 22nd straight time. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant will make his 16th appearance at the weekend. Unfortunately, much to the disappointment of the fans, Curry was ruled out due to injury.

Over the last few years, lack of defense and competitiveness have been the major talking points for NBA fans. Durant has blamed former teammate Stephen Curry for the decline of the All-Star game.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has had his hands full in trying to lift the standards of the game and entertaining the fans. Several analysts have tried to suggest different formats to increase the competitiveness of the game. To revive the game’s intensity, the NBA has decided to try a new format for the 2025-26 season after abandoning the previous one.

The 2026 edition of the All-Star Game will feature Team USA vs. Team World in a round-robin format with three teams, with each game played for 12 minutes. Two USA squads and one international squad. The NBA continues to prioritize global reach and fan engagement.

Following Houston Rockets’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant highlighted the media’s hypocrisy with Europeans like Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic amid criticism of the All-Star game. On NBA on Prime, former Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem did not agree with Durant’s statements and blamed everyone for the All-Star Game decline.

We don’t read between the lines on this show, we blaming all y’all. It’s accountability on everybody between the young guys, old guys, Europeans, Americans, everybody. Take a step up. Just do a little better. We’re not asking you guys to go out there and go full throttle and get hurt. Just give the fans what they deserve.

Udonis Haslem via NBA on Prime

While Durant called out the bias indicating that European players deserve as much criticism as the Americans, Haslem held everyone accountable for the decline.

Blake Griffin says the All-Star Game competitiveness is everyone’s problem

The Olympics gold medal-winning trio of James, Durant and Curry on the floor together will not be happening much to the disappointment of the fans. The fans have been dealt with more bad news as reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo have withdrawn from the All-Star Game as well.

Six-time NBA All-Star and NBA on Prime analyst Blake Griffin agreed with his co-panelist Haslem’s statements and blamed everyone for the decline.

This is an everybody problem. Whether you’re 15 years in or even if this is your first All-Star game, it’s on the players to police the All-Star game. Nobody is asking people to dive out of bounds, contest shots, or close out too much to get anybody hurt. You can sit down, or you can play in a stance. I feel for the fans. How can we expect the fans to care about the All-Star Game when it looks like the players don’t?

Blake Griffin via NBA on Prime

Griffin made his All-Star appearances at a time when the games were a lot more competitive and generated excitement amongst the fans. All eyes will be on the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend.

Victor Wembanyama promises a competitive NBA All-Star Game

Drafted as the number one pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Victor Wembanyama has been named an All-Star for the second time. The young Frenchman has really played well this season, and will soon be among the elite players of the league.

Victor Wembanyama decimated the Dallas Mavericks
Victor Wembanyama (Image via Greg Riddle/X)

The Spurs center spoke to the media and addressed the All-Star game criticism.

That comes from the fact that I’ve seen the All-Star game and obviously, it hasn’t been competitive. I’ve always thought myself that if I was in there, I’m never stepping on to the court to lose or not caring. Just like at home, I’m never stepping into a board game not caring if I’m going to lose. So I’m thinking it’s (not) okay to lose, so I’m going to be out there, I might as well win.

Victor Wembanyama told the media

NBA fans will be excited to hear the Frenchman’s statements. It will be interesting to see whether the new format restores the players’ competitiveness and brings back the All-Star Game’s pride and reputation.

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