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The NBA All-Star Game has always been a spectacle. It’s where the biggest names in basketball come together to showcase their talents, entertain fans and celebrate the game in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. But this year, something changed. The league made a massive shift in format, and it didn’t land well. Even NBA stars like Draymond Green called it a “0 out of 10” and said it “sucks.”
So, what went wrong? And more importantly, what can entrepreneurs and personal brands learn from it?
1. People love you for what you’re known for
In business, branding and life, consistency builds trust. People gravitate toward individuals and brands that have a clear identity, a known expertise, and a reputation that is delivered every time. The NBA All-Star Game was loved for its blend of elite competition, thrilling moments and an undeniable showcase of skill. It had a signature style that fans expected and looked forward to every year.
Similarly, in personal branding, your audience follows you for a reason. Whether you’re known for leadership insights, creative problem-solving or industry expertise, staying true to your core strengths keeps your brand strong. Trying to be everything to everyone — or making drastic shifts — can confuse or alienate your audience.
Related: What Damian Lillard Taught Me About Personal Branding
2. Authenticity over trends
The NBA’s mistake was jumping too quickly into change without considering the essence of what made the event great. This is the same mistake many entrepreneurs and personal brands make when they chase trends.
Every day, there’s a new social media platform, a new way of creating content or a new hot topic that people are talking about. But just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If you’re a thought leader known for deep, insightful essays, suddenly switching to short, gimmicky TikToks just to stay relevant could weaken your brand. If you’re a motivational speaker, pivoting into technical finance content just because it’s trending might confuse your audience.
Yes, trends can be powerful, but they should never dictate your brand. Instead, your brand should dictate how you interact with trends.
3. Evolve, but do it in measured ways
Every great brand evolves over time. The key is evolution, not revolution. The NBA All-Star Game needed adjustments — just like any long-running event or brand does. But making a massive change all at once, without testing or gradual integration, was too much too soon.
Entrepreneurs should take note. If you want to experiment with a new content format, new product or new messaging, test it first. Start small, gauge the response, and refine before making a full-scale shift. For example:
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If you’re a writer and want to explore video, start by adding short clips to your existing content strategy rather than switching entirely.
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If you want to introduce a new product, launch a beta version to a segment of your audience before rolling it out widely.
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If you’re considering shifting your brand positioning, test the messaging through a few posts, conversations or speeches before making a full rebrand.
Small experiments allow you to evolve while keeping your core audience engaged and invested.
Related: Jaylen Brown On the Business Idea He Got From Kobe Bryant
4. Your brand is built on trust, don’t break it
The NBA All-Star Game built trust over decades by delivering a certain level of entertainment and excitement. When it shifted too drastically, it disrupted that trust. The same happens when personal brands make sudden pivots.
Your audience, customers or followers see you as a reliable source for something specific. If you suddenly change direction with no warning, they may feel disconnected. People don’t just engage with what you do; they engage with who you are and what you represent. A personal brand is more than just content — it’s an experience, a feeling, and a relationship.
5. Test before you transform
One of the best strategies for sustainable branding is gradual adaptation. If the NBA had tested its new format in small ways — perhaps in an offseason event or by polling fans for feedback — it could have avoided backlash. The same applies to personal brands and businesses.
Before making a huge shift:
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Listen to your audience. What do they love about you? What are they asking for more of?
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Test in small batches. Introduce new concepts subtly and track engagement.
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Iterate based on feedback. Adjust before making it a permanent part of your brand.
The takeaway: Stay true to what makes you great
The lesson from the NBA All-Star Game is clear: stick to what is authentic to you. Your brand is built on what makes you unique, memorable, and valuable to your audience. While evolution is necessary, it should be done thoughtfully and strategically.
Jumping on trends, making massive shifts without testing, or abandoning what made you successful can erode trust and connection. Instead, double down on your strengths, listen to your audience, and evolve in ways that align with your core brand.
Because at the end of the day, people follow you — not for what’s trendy, but for what’s truly you.
