Giannis, Wemby Endorse USA vs. World for NBA All-Star Game Format amid 1 vs. 1 Buzz

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama are among the voices who support adding some international flavor to the NBA All-Star Game.

Antetokounmpo told reporters he "would love" a format in which the United States was pitted against a group of international stars.

"I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format," he said. "I would love that. 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."

Wembanyama struck a similar tone.

"I would love to," he said. "My opinion is that it's more purposeful. There's more pride in it. More stakes."

The NBA has experimented with multiple All-Star formats in recent years to reinvigorate the event. Even before the four-team tournament debuted this season, the idea of making the All-Star Game a one-on-one competition started to pick up some steam.

Maybe USA vs. The World presents a simple solution to a long-running problem. Stars are bound to feel a little more motivation when they're representing their country (or a broad region) instead of a conference.

It's worth asking, though, whether there's enough international talent to ensure a U.S. team and a roster from the rest of the world would be evenly matched. There weren't even enough players to fill out Chuck's Global Stars this year, with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young rounding out an eight-man squad.

The NBA previously used a Team USA vs. Team World concept for the Rising Stars Challenge but pivoted to a four-team tournament in 2022. That might offer some insight into how viable it is—or isn't—on a more prominent scale for the All-Star Game.

At this point, league officials are probably receptive to anything and everything. Having Antetokounmpo and Wembanyama publicly endorse the international format might make commissioner Adam Silver and others take notice.