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Gilbert Arenas calls NBA All-Star teams embarrassing
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- Gilbert Arenas calls NBA All-Star teams embarrassing
The announcement of the composition of the East and West All-Star teams is never a quiet moment in the NBA. In fact, aside from the trade deadline, it's an event that generates plenty of chatter about who was snubbed and who should have gotten a spot. This year is no different, with former NBA star Gilbert Arenas voicing his opinion on the matter.
In a recent episode of his popular podcast "The Gilbert Arenas Show," the former high-scoring guard expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of All-Star teams. He called it "embarrassing" and criticized how unappealing they have become over the years.
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No longer a showcase of bona fide stars
The All-Star Game once served as a showcase of the NBA's best players. Although it was an exhibition game that didn't matter in the grand scheme of NBA competition, players played with pride and urgency, with neither squad wanting to lose. A prime example of this was the 2001 All-Star Game, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, which the East won by a hairline, 111-110, thanks to the heroics of Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury.
A close look at the rosters shows bona fide hoop icons and legends such as Iverson, Vince Carter , Tracy McGrady and Ray Allen for the East and Kobe Bryant , Tim Duncan , Kevin Garnett , Gary Payton, David Robinson and Karl Malone for the West.
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Fast forward to 2026, and the roster of the All-Star teams includes the likes of Jalen Duren , Scottie Barnes , Norman Powell , Pascal Siakam and Jalen Johnson for the East and Deni Avdija , Chet Holmgren and Jamal Murray for the West. To be fair, these are all talented players. However, it's debatable whether these names carry the same star power as the previous generation.
"I seen a few All-Stars, and then I just seen a bunch of roster fillers," Gil unabashedly said . "We know who the best players in the NBA are. We know when you tune into a game, the player you're going to see. Like, I'm tuning into this game to see this matchup, right? This is who sells the tickets."
As deserving as these players are of spots in the All-Star Game, what Gil is alluding to is their obvious lack of appeal and magnetism. In years past, people paid a king's ransom to see Michael Jordan, Kobe and LeBron James . They were global icons who transcended the sport of basketball and garnered fans from all walks of life.
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But with the current crop of All-Stars, there seems to be a disconnect between their on-court performance and off-court appeal. Many are undoubtedly talented players, but they lack that certain "it" factor that draws in audiences and makes them must-see TV.
It's embarrassing
Arenas pulled no punches in describing the sorry state of the All-Star rosters.
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"It's embarrassing. This is embarrassing, right? Like, who wants to see these names?" he declared.
While the All-Star Game will still have legitimate megastars like Luka Doncic , Steph Curry , Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , Kevin Durant , Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama , they compose a small minority of the overall selections. The rest are filled with players who may be highly skilled but lack the aura to truly captivate viewers.
"Think about it now. When you get your ticket stub, and then they have two people on it—one from one team, another from—how many people's on this list that don't need to be on that ticket is what I'm trying to say," Gil explained.
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It's hard to argue against Arenas on his point. After all, it's not like arenas are selling out because Jalen Johnson and Deni Avdija are playing tonight.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
