Featured Image Credit: Ezra Shaw / Staff via Getty
Topics: NBA, Basketball
James Taylor
A history of basketball matches between the USA and the rest of the world have been defined by total domination.
It now seems increasingly likely that there will be changes to the NBA All-Star format, with one potential idea being a matchup between the American players and a team of international stars.
The NBA has already confirmed it will not reuse the mini tournament format from last season, which featured four teams, including 24 All-Stars and a squad of rookies and sophomores.
League commissioner Adam Silver has also made it clear that he wants to make the All-Star game more engaging for supporters.
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Silver said: “I talk to a lot of fans, and All-Star Games for whatever reason take on particular interest around basketball. I think we should be able to create something that’s fun, exciting, engaging.
"Not expecting guys to play the way they would in the finals necessarily or even in a playoff game, but yet to go out, play hard, put on a good show for the fans.”
The idea of having a team of Americans face a team of international players could be particularly appealing to audiences.
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It is already used in the Nike Hoop summit, where the American team defeated the World team earlier this year.
After a 124-114 overtime win, the Americans extended their winning streak in the competition to six consecutive years.
Some of the NBA's biggest stars have voiced their support for the concept.
Victor Wembanyama said: "I would love to. My opinion is that it's more purposeful. There's more pride in it. More stakes."
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Giannis Antetokounmpo was even more enthusiastic.
"I would love that. Oh, I would love that," he added.
"I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format. I would love that.
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"For sure, I'd take pride in that. I always compete, but I think that will give me a little bit more extra juice to compete."
The idea of a mid-season competition between the best domestic and international players has already been tied in other sports, such as ice hockey.
In February this year, Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States played each other in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The teams played in a round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the final, where Canada defeated the United States 3-2 in overtime.
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It remains to be seen whether the NBA will adapt a similar idea, but they are desperate to find a way to reignite the All-Star game.