The sharp rise of international players in the NBA has made basketball a global sport, with its reach increasing with every passing game. This has prompted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to ring in some changes in the All-Star Game format.
Before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Silver shed light on the possibility of the USA vs. the World match as part of the ASG weekend in the coming season.
According to a Basketnews report, “It’s not a new idea. When it’s come up historically, we thought there would be such an imbalance not because of the competition on the floor but in fairness to the players. Even now as it continues to grow, more than 25% of our players have been born outside the United States. So you’re picking from one pool of 25% and another of 75%, it might not be fair,” Silver said.
The focus on the players born out of the U.S. and the fairness factor makes it a valid point. With stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic all hailing from different countries, the idea of homegrown American stars who are a majority poses a challenge. That said, the 25-75% ratio can be worked out and is a strong possibility in the years to come.
“When it came up again this year at the Competition Committee, people said ‘Maybe we’ll figure out a way to deal with that’ if you select an All-Star team and you need to add a few international players to even the teams. I agree with you,” he told Michael Wilbon during NBA Countdown. “It’s incredibly exciting.”
With more international stars winning MVPs, the USA vs. the World idea has been doing the buzz, and we strongly recommended that the game could be part of the glitzy weekend. Our very own Nick Mac has detailed the ‘why’ along with potential rosters for both parties. It’s pretty much the only way to bring the fun back during the ASG weekend, which has increasingly become a snoozefest.
Adam Silver Intends To Ramp Up The ASG By 2025
Of late, the ASG is nothing more than a royal rumble lineup that’s all glam but no substance. Throwback to the time Michael Jordan used the weekend affair as a way to have his memorable skirmish with Kobe Bryant, who was in playing his first All-Star Game.
Speaking with Dan Patrick, Silver said that the NBA will still implement the East vs. West format next year.
“One of the things we’re looking at for next year is returning to the East vs. West format, the more traditional format. I mean, we definitely need to do something to spruce it up a bit,” Silver said.
Perhaps, the USA vs. the World contest is the perfect way to reignite the spark in the jaded ASG weekends. But only time will tell if it can recapture the yesteryear charm.
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