The NBA All-Star Game has been the talk of the basketball world, even as the teams have returned from the break to compete again. The new format changes to the All-Star Game were born from discussions regarding how to drive the weekend competitiveness and how to raise the stakes, though it was not a hit, for both on- and off-court reasons.
One idea that began to float around was the concept of doing a USA vs. the World All-Star Game, especially following the hype for the NHL’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. Some are truly on board with this idea, and it would provide an interesting setup for the weekend.
Others, however, feel that this wouldn’t be in the best interest of some of the NBA players, namely the players from the USA.
Stephen A. Smith Feels US Players Don’t Want To Face International Players
While many are on board for a potential USA vs. the World game, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith feels that the game is not a good idea for the American players because they are in fear of losing to the international players.
Smith was direct in his words, pointing out that he feels the international players would defeat the Americans if this game ever happened.
“Team USA is feared they’d get their a** kicked by those international players. … The international players will bust their living behinds,” Smith said. “Yes, they would.”
Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think American players would want to face international players in an All-Star Game
"Team USA fears they'd get their ass kicked by those international players."
(h/t @awfulannouncing )
pic.twitter.com/DAXq5nC5jQ— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 21, 2025
“Not just because their skill set is on par with them but because they care and they’re compelled by their audience from their homelands, more so than that,” Smith continued
“… Look at Olympic competition, and look at how stiff it has gotten. Collectively, those players, internationally, collectively, on respective teams, don’t compare to Team USA, but they gave them a run for their money. Why? Because they go all out.”
Smith feels that the fire under the world team would be the determining factor in their success, and he could very well be correct.
What the US vs. the World All-Star Game Could Look Like
If the USA vs. the World game ever came to fruition, especially as soon as next season, it would be intense. On the US side, you’d have tons of star power, especially from over the years.
The Americans would boast stars like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum, and the list goes on. Team USA would have a lot of talent. The World team would not be too far behind, either.
Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and so many more could comprise the World team, making a star-studded affair resembling Olympic play.
US vs. the World might not happen at the NBA All-Star Game, but there is a level of excitement that would come with a game of this magnitude being announced.
Because the All-Star Game in 2026 is located in Los Angeles, the same location where the 2028 Olympics are set to be hosted, it could serve as a nice preview.
