NBA fans had a lot more to say about the guest list than the box score after Barack Obama appeared courtside at the All-Star Game.
The former president was seated near the action at the Intuit Dome and took photos with Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes before tipoff. Once the image hit social media, NBA fans jumped in from every angle.
@MrTrecherous joked, “Don’t accept any invitations to a Hot Dog Party.”
Don’t accept any invitations to a Hot Dog Party
— Mr Trecherous (@MrTrecherous) February 17, 2026
@KwanDislike wrote, “The leader of the free world in a picture with former president Obama and Scottie Barnes.”
@razvinator looked ahead, posting, “My gut is telling me, one of these years, Scottie will join Cade on the Pistons.”
Cunningham and Barnes later helped USA Stars roll past USA Stripes 47-41, but for many NBA fans, the courtside cameo became the bigger storyline.
“Trump can care less”: NBA fans debate Obama’s reception
When Obama was introduced, the arena responded with loud applause. That moment quickly turned into another debate among NBA fans.
@MichaelJLuna1 commented, “Trump can care less. The Intuit Dome is located in Inglewood, California, a predominantly black community.”
@we_usa2016 pushed back, “Respect??? Guy divided America like never before!!”
@SageAmenti offered a defense: “This is what happens when you run two scandal free terms.”
For some fans, it was simply a recognizable public figure enjoying a game. For others, it was politics stepping into a sports setting again. Either way, NBA fans made sure Obama’s appearance didn’t go unnoticed.
