"We were trying to murder them": Penny Hardaway highlights the stark difference in 1990s All-Star games with MJ, Shaq vs today's ASG
Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway was a guest on the Knuckleheads podcast on Tuesday and he had some things to say regarding the new All-Star game stipulations. Hosts Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles asked Hardaway about his thoughts on the four-team format and the NBA legend shared how different it was during his time.
"For us, it was a mutual respect for each other's game. But, it was no friendships like that. When we played against each other, it was like East versus West, we was trying to murder them. We weren't trying to be friends," he said1(1:17:00).
"We would respect each other, dap each other up. But when the game started, it was like a real game to us. It wasn't like, you were proud to be there and be chosen, but it was like you was going to show up and you was going to be ready to play," Hardaway added.
The former Orlando Magic star then discussed how players today are no longer gunning for each other's throats. Instead, they are friendly with each other:
"Today, they're so cool and so close. They take vacations together. They're so connected and locked in together that I guess it's just made it to the point to where All-Star Weekend been the same guys every year and so it's like, 'Man, I'm really ready to go on vacation" (1:18:00).
Hardaway was selected to four NBA All-Star teams from 1995 to 1998. Considered by many as one of the greatest point guards of the 90s and even all time, Hardaway was also named to the All-NBA First Team twice during his career.
The NBA recently announced its newest All-Star Game format in an attempt to make the annual star-studded matchup more lively and competitive. In February of next year, they plan to introduce a four-team tournament comprising three games. Each team will be drafted by NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
The fourth team will be coached by WNBA standout Candace Parker and will consist of winners from the event's Rising Stars Challenge. Few are as qualified to comment on the new All-Star Game format as Hardaway, who was one of basketball's cultural icons during his era.
For now, his focus is on molding potential stars, especially those from his college team, such as PJ Haggerty. Hardaway will return to his regular duties on Saturday, Dec. 21, against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Memphis Grizzlies' home arena.
Penny Hardaway says the All-Star Game should be more than just entertainment
In today's world, Penny Hardaway believes that the annual showcase of the league's best players has shifted focus from the game itself to serving primarily as entertainment for the basketball market.
"We took pride in being picked, and when we got to the game, we really wanted to give the people a show. We didn't want people coming and saying, 'It wasn't a show.' Now, it's almost about entertainment and not even about the game. It should be more about the game," Hardaway expressed (1:18:15).
With a new format in place, we'll have to wait and see if it brings any changes to the All-Star Game now and in the future. The 74th edition is set to take place on Feb. 16 of next year at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.