Several players who will represent Team World in the 2026 All-Star Game said they are going to play hard following criticism of the game’s quality in recent years. Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, however, is hinting that he will not be one of them.
The NBA is implementing several changes to make the ASG more competitive. This year, the league is introducing a new format: Team World vs. Team USA. Jokic was selected as a starter, and he will now be joined by a Nuggets teammate.
First-time All-Star Jamal Murray said he found previous games boring, but he plans to approach this one differently now that he has reached that stage.
“I’m down to play one-on-one. I don’t care. I’m down to play,” he said.
“[Victor] Wembanyama will play. Giannis [Antetokounmpo] will play if he were to. I want to be known as one of those guys who plays hard every time they step up on the court.”
Murray plans to play hard in the All-Star Game:
“I really kind of lost interest in All-Star just watching whatever they’re doing out there. I’d rather go on vacation if that’s the basketball we’re going to be playing…I would like to play (hard).
full answer👇 pic.twitter.com/nU64KuPvcy
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 2, 2026
Nikola Jokic is not affected by criticisms
Kevin Durant recently criticized Jokic and Luka Doncic. He suggested that the two were just cruising and should also be asked about the competitiveness of the ASG.
Either the comment did not reach Jokic, or he is already in vacation mode, as the three-time MVP said he will not change his approach.
“For me, I’m going to play like I played every year,” Jokic said Saturday. “I’m not sure that it is going to bring (more) fire to me, no, because I play (that way) every game the same.”
He also does not think that Team World will win.
“I think Europeans are going to probably pass the ball a lot and have fun out there. OGs (are) probably going to win it, and the third team is probably going to dunk the most times.”
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