Cam Ward's chain and Tacko Fall's towering presence dominate NBA All-Star Celebrity Game green carpet
Friday evening (ET) at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, pregame festivities for the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game delivered equal parts flash and fun. Amid a field of stylized jackets, sunglasses and athleisure, two moments stopped the crowd: an NFL quarterback parading a pricetag necklace and a former NBA big man who made the green carpet feel very short.
Ward's necklace becomes the night's headline accessory
Titans quarterback Cam Ward made a surprise green carpet appearance just before the scheduled tip-off, drawing immediate attention to a diamond No. 1 pendant that he said cost north of $15, 000. Ward flashed the piece for photographers as he walked the Wingstop-sponsored runway, treating the moment like a personal red-carpet cameo and turning a simple accessory into a talking point for the evening.
Tacko Fall — or "taco fall" in search queries — is impossible to miss
Standing out for reasons beyond fashion, Tacko Fall towered over the green carpet crowd. At 7-foot-6, Fall’s stature made him an instant focal point; fans and other celebrities clustered for photos and reaction shots that highlighted the sheer physical contrast between him and the rest of the roster. The height spectacle reinforced why Fall remains a unique presence whenever he appears in U. S. basketball settings.
Where Fall ranks among the game's tallest
Measured against the annals of professional basketball, Fall’s 7-foot-6 frame places him among the tallest players ever to suit up. That mark ties him with notable big men of the past, and leaves him just behind the two 7-foot-7 players who top the historical list. Fall’s professional path includes NBA stints with Boston and Cleveland and a playing career overseas with the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association — credentials that add context to his celebrity-game appearances.
Celebrity Game roster brings unexpected names
The Celebrity Game roster mixes entertainers, athletes and media figures in its usual eclectic fashion. This year’s lineup included former NBA players, network personalities and current professional athletes, creating matchups that are as much about spectacle as they are about the on-court action. One notable roster name is a former Knicks cult favorite whose inclusion underscored the event’s blend of pop-culture and hoops nostalgia.
Fashion moments and what to watch when the game tips
Beyond Ward’s chain and Fall’s height, the green carpet offered a parade of sartorial choices: chic jackets, layered streetwear and sunglasses that read as intentional statements rather than afterthoughts. On the court, expect a similar mix of showmanship and laid-back competition. Celebrity games traditionally prioritize entertainment over intense play, but the presence of high-level athletes and former pros means flashes of genuine skill will surface amid the dunks, three-point attempts and playful trash talk.
Takeaway: spectacle fuels All-Star weekend energy
The green carpet at the Kia Forum succeeded in setting an upbeat, buzzy tone for the Celebrity Game. Cam Ward’s ostentatious jewelry and Tacko Fall’s outsized physical presence gave attendees and viewers clear, easy storylines to latch onto. As All-Star weekend rolls on, those visual moments will likely be replayed alongside the on-court highlights, underscoring how personal style and sheer size both play starring roles in the show's pageantry.
