The NBA tried something new this year at the All-Star Game - and let’s just say, not everyone’s buying in.
For the first time, the league rolled out a World vs. USA format, aiming to inject fresh energy into a showcase that’s often been criticized for lacking intensity.
But instead of sparking excitement, the change drew a wave of skepticism from players and fans alike. The postgame chatter wasn’t about highlight-reel dunks or buzzer-beaters - it was about whether the new format actually worked.
And more pointedly, whether Team USA is still the top dog in global hoops.
Anthony Edwards, never one to hold back, made it clear where he stands. The Minnesota Timberwolves star - who had himself a night, by the way - didn’t mince words when asked about the perception that international players are surpassing their American counterparts.
“People probably think the world better than us right now. I don’t like it.
Not at all,” Edwards said. “But I see where they coming from - they got Jokic.
We started this sh*t, man.”
That’s vintage Ant. Honest, unfiltered, and fiercely competitive.
And his performance backed it up. Edwards was electric on the court, earning his first All-Star MVP in a game that, despite the format drama, gave him a platform to shine.
He played with the kind of edge that reminded everyone why he’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most dynamic young stars.
Still, Edwards’ pride in American basketball wasn’t enough to drown out the criticism surrounding the new format. And one of the most vocal detractors? Draymond Green.
The Warriors veteran didn’t just dislike the change - he called it out as a gimmick that undercuts the tradition and competitive spirit of the All-Star Game.
“Best in the East, best in the West - it works when the game is good,” Green said. “We doing all these different gimmicks makes it more of a joke.
It looks good for a year, it’s a quick fix, but then you’re like, ‘I don’t want to see that again.’ Because it wasn’t the game I grew up on.”
Green went on to say that the World vs. USA setup doesn’t hold a candle to the classic East vs.
West battles - the kind of matchups that featured legends like Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O’Neal going head-to-head. For him, this new version doesn’t carry the same weight, the same history, or the same meaning.
And that’s the heart of the debate. The NBA is constantly trying to evolve - to keep the All-Star Game relevant, entertaining, and reflective of the league’s growing international influence. But in doing so, it risks losing the identity that made the game matter in the first place.
There’s no denying that international talent is thriving. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić - these guys aren’t just good; they’re generational.
The global game has never been stronger. But for players like Edwards, that doesn’t mean Team USA is ready to give up its crown.
Not without a fight.
So where does the league go from here? That’s the million-dollar question.
The All-Star Game has long been a celebration - of skill, of personality, of basketball culture. But it’s also supposed to be competitive.
If the format doesn’t bring that out, it might be time for another rethink.
For now, Edwards walks away with the MVP trophy and a chip on his shoulder. And if his words are any indication, he’s ready to prove that American basketball still sets the standard.