Tracy McGrady is a former seven-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and a Hall of Fame player. Recently, he joined NBA on NBC as part of the new television deal that the NBA signed. Speaking recently on a podcast, McGrady talked about his dream of joining a company like NBC, but also hinted at something fans have long hoped for.
Tracy McGrady Hints Confirmation Of NBA All-Star One-On-One Tournament
Last season, NBA All-Star Weekend was a fiasco with many fans calling it the worst ever due to a lack of star participation and excessive commercials. In the aftermath, NBA commissioner Adam Silver hinted that the league was considering changes. Ironically, the league had just introduced a new four-team format that didn’t deliver and was subsequently cancelled. For next season, the NBA confirmed there will be a USA vs. World game during All-Star Weekend, an event fans would love to see.
However, McGrady all but confirmed that there will be also be a one-on-one tournament. Speaking on the Gil’s Arena podcast, the former NBA star said:
“So, I don’t know if you guys know, but I had a conversation with NBC. Sorry, NBC, if I am not supposed to be telling this. But I think they are going to have a one-on-one tournament at All-Star Weekend this year.”
With T-Mac’s words in mind, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be the 75th edition of the popular event. The Los Angeles Clippers will host it at their new shiny Intuit Dome in Inglewood (CA). NBC will televise the game nationally for the first time since 2002.
If there was any time to give the fans what they want, it’s now.
Can Fans Expect Stars to Show Up?
No matter what format or events the NBA comes up with, it won’t matter if the stars don’t show up. Fans want to see the biggest stars compete against each other, and the decline of the Slam Dunk contest speaks to this. If there are incentives for them to participate, like a cash prize, they may trot themselves out there. Still, nobody wants to see them play uninspired basketball either, which is the real issue with the NBA All-Star Game.
If the league implements a one-on-one tournament, will the league’s top talents actually make it worth everybody’s time?
That question will be answered in a few months, but there are a couple of elite players that seem like they would take a one-on-one tournament seriously if invited.
Widely considered one of the greatest isolation scorers in NBA history, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant was asked who would win a one-on-one tournament during the NBA All-Star Weekend (h/t Olympics.com reporter Chloe Merrell). He immediately replied:
“Of course, I would have to go with myself. There are so many great 1-on-1 players in our league. I don’t think it would be easy to predict who would come out on top. But if I had to say one guy, it’d probably be Wemby. I’d add Tatum in there, too.”
Though he hasn’t spoken about playing in a one-on-one tournament, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama‘s competitive nature is well-documented.
The NBA Has Hosted A One-On-One Tournament Before
It’s been long enough that many fans might not even know, but the NBA’s hosted a one-on-one tournament before. It happened at halftime during the 1972 and 1973 NBA Finals. The one in 1972 featured players like Detroit Pistons center Bob Lanier and Boston Celtics guard Jo Jo White, who would face off despite a considerable size and skill difference.
That event has largely been forgotten by the public (the NBA shows it on NBA TV occasionally).
The Last Word On All-Star One-On-One Tournament
In the modern times, the basketball world has Unrivaled, the WNBA’s one-on-one tournament. The event has been praised by fans for showcasing pure individual basketball skills, and many believe the NBA should adopt a similar format. However, one of the common fears is that the event might damage player brands, with stars being reluctant to play and risk losing against other players.
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