This episode covers everything shaping the NBA right now: All-Star controversy, tanking, league expansion, buyout chaos, and the culture divide between old school intensity and the modern product.

Mo Mooncey and Coach Brendan Suhr open with an all-time All-Star draft featuring legends like Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal - then use it as a launch point to examine a bigger question:

Has the NBA All-Star Game lost its edge?

From declining competitiveness to load management, influencer marketing, and Gen Z viewing habits, the discussion digs into why All-Star Weekend feels different - and what could realistically fix it.

The episode also breaks down:

• The Pistons vs Hornets fight and what it says about NBA culture
• Why tanking is damaging competitive integrity
• Early season load management and its impact on fans
• The buyout market and the career risk for young players
• Expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas
• Whether World vs USA is the only format that can restore All-Star intensity
• Why the modern NBA product is struggling to hold younger audiences

Coach Suhr brings perspective from nearly five decades inside the league, including coaching All-Star Games and competing against the 90s era legends. The contrast between past and present is clear — and uncomfortable.

If you care about the future of the NBA, this is the conversation.

🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms.
📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week.

This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26:
https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/