Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, didn’t hold back when he shared his thoughts on the NBA All-Star Game with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. He was blunt—ruthlessly so. “The All-Star Game is broken, man. You gotta have a little more pride in it,” Obama said, making it crystal clear that the game no longer has Obama’s approval. That’s right—Obama won’t even tune in anymore.
The Pacers Get Obama’s Approval—But There’s a Catch!
And why should he? The 2024 All-Star Game, held in Indianapolis, was nothing more than a high-scoring scrimmage, with the East beating the West 211-186. There was little defense, no intensity, and even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver couldn’t hide his disappointment. Obama’s criticism echoes the sentiment of frustrated fans who miss the days when this game meant something.
Haliburton, somewhat embarrassed, could only counter with, “Larry Bird came in and gave us a speech about taking it more seriously.” Obama’s cutting response? “And it didn’t work.” Ouch.
While the former president ripped into the All-Star Game, he had some positive words for the Pacers. “I like how the Pacers are playing,” he said, praising their style of play, which features quick ball movement and a team-oriented approach. But, like any good critic, Obama couldn’t resist pointing out a flaw: “You’ve got to pick up that defense a little bit.”
The interview took place on the “Young Man and the Three” podcast—a fresh spin on the “Old Man and the Three” series previously hosted by NBA veteran J.J. Redick, who now coaches the Lakers. Haliburton, now a co-host, had the honor of engaging in an hour-long chat with Obama, where they touched on various topics beyond the Pacers. The conversation spanned Obama’s favorite NBA players, the Olympics, and even playing pick-up games with pros. Obama also shared the fun fact that he once helped coach his daughter’s basketball team—talk about hands-on parenting!
Obama’s candid criticism of the All-Star Game highlights a larger problem the NBA faces: a growing disinterest in exhibition games that feel meaningless. With declining ratings and half-hearted performances, the All-Star Game risks becoming irrelevant unless drastic changes are made. Meanwhile, Obama’s praise for the Pacers, despite his defensive critique, provides a glimmer of hope for Indiana fans. The Pacers are showcasing a brand of basketball that even the former president appreciates, which could help them stand out in an increasingly flashy and individualistic league.
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