At the 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo brought both leadership and humor while coaching Team Giannis alongside his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, as well as MLB player Mookie Betts. Midway through the game, when he subbed in former NBA center Tacko Fall, known for his towering 7-foot-6 frame, Giannis playfully advised him, sparking laughter from spectators.
Giannis quipped to Tacko,
“Quit trying to be like Wemby, be like Shaq,”
referencing the comparison often made between Tacko Fall and fellow tall player Victor Wembanyama. This lighthearted remark set the tone for Tacko’s impressive performance throughout the game.
Tacko Fall’s Dominant Performance Steals the Spotlight Despite MVP Going Elsewhere
Responding to Giannis’ playful jab, Tacko Fall took control, showing why he remains a formidable presence on the court. Despite standing an inch taller than Victor Wembanyama, Tacko contributed 20 points and 21 rebounds, exerting strong dominance inside the paint and helping Team Giannis secure a win over Team Anthony.
Although Tacko led in points and rebounds, the Most Valuable Player honor was awarded to Rome Flynn for the second consecutive year. Flynn impressed with 17 points, including three three-pointers from seven attempts, reflecting how the game values both style and impact beyond just statistics.
Background on Tacko Fall’s Career and Other Celebrity Participants
This event marked Tacko Fall’s return to a major basketball spotlight three years after his last NBA appearance. Now 30 years old, he currently plays for the Ningbo Rockets in China’s Basketball Association, having joined the team in August 2025. His most recent outing overseas, on February 3, showcased his defensive prowess with nine points and seven blocks in a win over the Beijing Royal Fighters.
Team Giannis featured a diverse lineup of celebrities from various fields, including NFL wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, rapper GloRilla, and ESPN reporter Shams Charania, alongside several other notable personalities.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions Add Complexity to the Celebrity Game Atmosphere
The build-up to the Celebrity Game was marked by underlying tension. In the days after the NBA trade deadline, Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks engaged in playful barbs directed at journalist Shams Charania, apparently responding to his coverage of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation. This back-and-forth added a subtle strain to the event’s social dynamics, making Charania’s presence on Team Giannis particularly notable given the recent exchanges.
Event Significance and What Lies Ahead for Tacko and Giannis
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game once again proved its appeal by blending competitive fun with moments of levity and remarkable performances. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s leadership and good-natured teasing of Tacko Fall underscored his role not just as a player but as a figure who can unite and engage fans and participants alike. Tacko Fall’s strong showing may signal further opportunities to expand his basketball career, while the ongoing involvement of high-profile athletes and celebrities keeps interest high for future events.
"Quit trying to be like Wemby, be like Shaq.”
— Giannis to Tacko Fall. 🤣🤣
(h/t @NBA__Courtside)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2026
"Quit trying to be like Wemby, be like Shaq.”
— Giannis to Tacko Fall. 🤣🤣
(h/t @NBA__Courtside)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2026
