Jason Williams Promises to 'Cook' Hornets Co-Owner in 2026 Celebrity All-Star Game
Former NBA guard Jason Williams is turning up the heat ahead of the 2026 Celebrity All-Star Game in Inglewood. Williams says he plans to make a public example of Charlotte Hornets co-owner Rick Schnall after a cheeky exchange that left Williams feeling disrespected. The result promises to be equal parts competition and viral spectacle on Friday night.
The Challenge That Started It All
The confrontation began as a casual conversation that turned personal. Williams described how a comment from Schnall — dismissing him as "old" — lit a competitive fire. Williams reacted bluntly, telling the assembled crowd that he has "something for his" co-owner and that he won't hesitate to embarrass him on the floor. He made clear he doesn't care about personal scoring stats; the goal is to make Schnall look foolish the moment he checks in.
What Williams Says He'll Do
Williams laid out a playful but pointed game plan for how he intends to execute the embarrassment: flashy dribbles, a between-the-legs move, a short skip pulldown and even a humiliating off-the-head miscue if the moment presents itself. He added that he won't wait for coach permission and plans to bolt into the game like it was a pickup session. Williams predicted the moment will be talked about widely by Monday morning ET.
Why This Has Fans Talking
The Celebrity All-Star Game has long been a stage for stars, athletes and personalities to showcase skills and generate buzz. Schnall's willingness to lace up and participate adds an extra layer of intrigue. Williams' reputation for theatrical ballhandling raises expectations that the matchup will produce highlight-reel moments and social media chatter, transforming a friendly exhibition into a must-see moment.
Williams' Legacy and Edge
Williams built his NBA reputation on creativity and elite ballhandling, regularly putting defenders on skates. That past gives his boasts extra weight: when Williams says he plans to "cook" someone, it's not idle trash talk — it's a promise rooted in a highlight-driven brand of play. Even in a celebrity setting, his intention is to remind viewers of the skills that made him a fan favorite.
What to Expect in Inglewood
The scene in Inglewood is shaping up to be part game, part performance. Expect Williams to chase the moment whenever Schnall enters the game, hunting for a sequence that will get maximum reaction. For Schnall, the challenge is straightforward: try to keep pace with a former pro who is explicitly hunting for theatrical humiliation. For fans, the payoff will be in whether Williams follows through on his promise and whether the exchange becomes the night's defining moment.
At its core, this is a reminder that exhibition basketball, especially at all-star events, is as much about personality as it is about points. With Williams promising fireworks and Schnall willing to step on the court, Friday night's contest in Inglewood figures to deliver both entertainment and a memorable talking point come Monday morning ET.