Barack Obama Rips NBA All-Star Game, Says He Won't Watch It Anymore: 'It's Broke'

Barack Obama has harshly criticized the NBA's annual All-Star Game, vowing not to pursue the event because it appears to lack competitive fervor.

Appearing alongside Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton in the The young man and the three In the podcast, the former US president expressed his dissatisfaction with the NBA All-Star Game, which has attracted increasing criticism in recent years.

Obama says concerns that players could get injured during the star-studded game are overblown because many of these players regularly participate in summer leagues and offseason runs that are intense without excessive physical activity.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends an exhibition game between Canada and the United States ahead of the Paris Olympics at the T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72.

“You have to be a little more proud of this All-Star Game,” the 63-year-old told Haliburton, a two-time All-Star himself.

“It’s not like you all don’t play pickup in the summer. They know how to play like, ‘Okay, I’m not going to hurt anyone, I’m not going to take anyone out.’ But this All-Star Game is a bust, man.”

The avid basketball fan continued, comparing the lack of physical exertion of current players to that of greats of past eras. “People just like not running,” Obama continued. “Everyone's just trying out all sorts of things… that was back when Kobe and Michael and Isaiah and those guys played, man. I mean, they didn’t play like they did in the regular season, but they wanted to win.”

NBA logo on the phone on top of the basketball

Obama also lamented the perception the All-Star Game creates among casual fans who might otherwise be inclined to watch other games during the season but choose not to. “It insults the game,” the former senator added.

“This is your business. This is your product. You don't want people to think you're half-hearted out there.” Obama ended his rant by declaring that he would no longer watch the NBA All-Star Game unless changes were made in the near future.

“You guys have to do something because I’m not watching this thing anymore,” the avid basketball fan warned, a sentiment echoed by others regarding NBA All-Star Game activities as a whole.

Watch Barack Obama's performance The young man and the three Podcast below.