Veteran sportswriter Bob Ryan offered some brutal hot takes on Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game, blasting it as a “farce” and “waste of time.”
“Once again, these NBA stars are showing no respect for the game,” Ryan wrote on X. “It’s another Dunkarama and 3-point farce. Not a single hand in anyone’s face. I’ll see how TCM is doing. See you next year. What a waste of time. Adam, you must do something. It’s embarrassing for your sport.”
I have seen lots of takes on social media regarding the all star game, and how the East all stars scored over 200 points. There wasn’t enough defence. No or almost no fouls. Lots of people felt like players weren’t trying or just wanted to show off.
That’s a scathing take on one of the NBA’s marquee events from an iconic sports personality, who while retired from full-time writing has made appearances on shows such as Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn. And Ryan was just getting started. A few minutes later, he ripped the game once again.
“If you’re not personally offended but this disgraceful farce taking place right now in Indy, you don’t love or understand basketball,” Ryan tweeted. “These “All-Stars” should be censured. And where are the coaches? Have any of them have any pride? They’re all acting like athletic court jesters.”
Will the NBA change how the game is for next season? Let’s hope so. I would like to see an all star game that is more of a competition. Some good defence as well as some good shooting. Free throws. Challenges. Make it like a real game to earn the prize money.
