In view of the NBA All-Star Game, the very first team from the rest of the world already promises to be formidable, notably with the Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, of the Thunder.
He will play with Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Nikola Jokic (Denver), Luka Doncic (Lakers) and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio), among others.
The NBA announced Monday five starting players from the East and the same number from the West, for an all-star game in a new format.
Originally from Hamilton, SGA will participate in a fourth all-star game, including the last three as a starter.
Honestly, it’s still as special as the first time, he commented. When I was little, I watched the All-Star Game and dreamed of participating. Playing it will always give me the same emotion.
All the players I admired, from whom I was inspired, they played in that match, with all the visibility. To be able to do so much is a blessing and an honor.
A new formula
The All-Star Game will take place on February 15 at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
It will be presented according to a new formula, with two teams of American players and one representing the rest of the world.
They will compete in a round-robin tournament, made up of four 12-minute matches.
Each team will have a minimum of eight players.
Team A will play Team B in the first match, then Team C will play both teams.
The two teams with the best record will face each other in the final.
If the three teams are tied (1-1), the difference in points will decide the teams.
Stephen Curry (Golden State), Jalen Brunson (New York), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia) and Jaylen Brown (Boston) were also named starters on Monday.
They will join the American teams for this all-star tournament.
The holders were selected as follows: the vote of fans counts for 50%, that of a panel of 100 commentators and journalists for 25%, and that of NBA players for the remaining 25%.
Under the new formula, at least 15 players will start.
Consequently, other players than the 10 announced on Monday will also have the status of starters on February 15.
