The NBA is flipping the script on its All-Star Game this year, and the early returns are already turning heads. For the first time ever, we’re getting a “World vs. USA” showdown - and if the initial rosters are any indication, the international squad is going to be a problem.
The World Team Is Loaded
Let’s start with the names. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama were all announced as All-Star starters.
That’s a global basketball dream team right there - a mix of MVPs, rising superstars, and generational talent. It’s not official yet, but all signs point to them suiting up for the World team when the All-Star festivities tip off next month at the Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood.
This revamped format brings a fresh twist to the midseason showcase. Instead of the traditional East vs.
West or the more recent Team LeBron vs. Team Durant-style captain drafts, the NBA is going three-deep: Team World vs. two U.S. teams, all battling it out in a mini-tournament format.
Jaylen Brown and U.S. Stars Take the Stage
The U.S. squads are no slouches either. Stephen Curry, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown round out the rest of the announced starters. Expect these five to be split between the two American teams, though the league hasn’t yet revealed how the rosters will shake out.
For players like Gilgeous-Alexander, the honor still hits home.
“It’s still as special as the first one was, honestly,” SGA said. “I grew up watching All-Star games as a kid, dreaming about playing in them.
All the players I looked up to played on that stage. For me to be able to do so - it’s a blessing and an honor.”
How the New Format Works
Here’s how the format breaks down: three teams, each with at least eight players. The tournament is made up of three mini-games, each one a single 12-minute quarter - the same length as a normal NBA period.
- Game 1: Team A vs. Team B
- Game 2: Winner of Game 1 vs. Team C
- Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Team C
After that, the two teams with the best records advance to a 12-minute championship game. If all three squads end up 1-1, point differential becomes the tiebreaker.
It’s a compact, high-energy format that should inject some real competitiveness into a game that’s often lacked it.
Why This Year, Why Now?
The timing feels deliberate. With the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina around the corner, there’s a renewed sense of national pride in the air.
The NBA is tapping into that energy, hoping to give fans something to rally behind. And with NBC - also the U.S.
Olympic broadcaster - airing the All-Star Game, the synergy is hard to miss.
LeBron’s Starting Streak Ends - But the Door’s Not Closed
For the first time in 22 years, LeBron James wasn’t named an All-Star starter. That ends a remarkable run - not of selections, but of actually starting the game. His streak of 20 consecutive All-Star Game appearances remains intact for now, but whether he makes it onto the court this year will depend on the coaches’ vote or a potential injury replacement slot.
James, now in his record-setting 23rd season, has already missed 17 games this year. That’s significant, especially considering the league’s new availability requirements for postseason awards like All-NBA honors. He’ll likely need to suit up for every remaining Lakers game to stay eligible for those accolades.
Still, it’s hard to imagine an All-Star Game without LeBron in some capacity. Whether as a reserve or a late addition, his presence - even in year 21 - still looms large.
What’s Next
With the starters announced, all eyes now turn to the coaches, who will select the 14 reserves. And with this new three-team format, the math gets a little tricky. Each team needs at least eight players, which means some of the so-called “reserves” will end up starting when the games tip off on February 15.
In other words, don’t get too caught up in the labels. Whether you’re called a starter or not, if you’re on the floor when the lights come on in Inglewood, you’re part of something new - and potentially transformative - for the NBA’s All-Star tradition.
One thing’s clear: the World team isn’t here to just participate. They’re bringing firepower, flair, and a global fan base ready to watch their stars shine. And with the U.S. squads stacked with young talent and veteran leadership, this could be the most compelling All-Star format we’ve seen in years.