When the NBA announced the new format for this season’s All-Star Game, it drew plenty of criticism. 

But as the round-robin tournament featuring two teams of USA stars and one of international stars was underway, plenty of praise came its way. 

Former Warriors star and current NBPA executive director Andre Iguodala was among current and former players to applaud the changes. 

Iguodala credited NBPA managing director and general counsel David Kelly for helping with the new format. Kelly also is a former Warriors executive, spending more than a decade with the organization as Chief Legal Officer for the team and Chief Business Officer of Golden State Entertainment. 

Iguodala also applauded Victor Wembanyama’s performance on the World team. 

Wembanyama’s early effort in the first game of the tournament set the tone. He scored a game-high 14 points and recorded three blocks in the World team’s 37-35 loss to the USA Stars team. 

The World team was eliminated after a narrow 48-45 loss to the USA Stripes team. The USA Stars then cruised with a 47-21 win over the USA Stripes to win the tournament in the final game. 

Other former NBA players joined Iguodala in praising the new format. 

Thank God @NBCSports is back in the @NBA . Best all star game in recent memory! That’s how you do it!! Started with the Rising Stars, ended with the big dawgs! Big time 🔥

— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) February 16, 2026

Best All Star Game in Years !!! I can’t lie

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) February 16, 2026

With the strength of international stars in the NBA and praise from former players, it would not be surprising if the league kept the format intact for next season. 

If they don’t keep the same format, Steph Curry provided a suggestion on how to improve the competition level if the format returns to two teams. 

Unfortunately for Curry, he was unable to compete in this year’s All-Star weekend due to injury. 

Aside from the acclaim the All-Star tournament format received, the other contests throughout the weekend received a lot of criticism. That might improve next season, as Curry said he intends to return to next year’s 3-point contest. 

But if this season’s All-Star Weekend proved one thing, the league have something to build on with the new format. 

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