Why Europe’s NBA Takeover Has American Fans on Edge

This year, NBA fans will get what they wanted, an All-Star Game featuring the best American players versus the best players from around the world. Adam Silver and the league office hope the new format will bring out competitiveness and encourage players to actually show effort.

Fans considered the last two All-Star Games a joke due to a lack of defense and influx of threes. Right now, it seems like players from the World Team might make the game challenging for the Americans.

Why Europe’s NBA Takeover Has American Fans on Edge

The All-Star Game might be an exhibition or showcase event, but there are deeper stakes at play. The 2028 Olympics is scheduled be held in Los Angeles. The NBA hasn’t had an American player win the regular season MVP since the 2017–18 season. And judging by the start some of the international players are having, that might not change this year.

Here’s a quick look at some of the best starts through the first few games by World players.

• Nikola Jokić has recorded back-to-back triple-doubles, posting 21/13/10 in a loss to the Golden State Warriors, and 14/14/15 in a win over the Phoenix Suns.
• Victor Wembanyama dropped 40 points on 71.4% shooting in his first game, followed by a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double with nine blocks. He had three blocks in his season debut.
• Luka Dončić opened the season with back-to-back 40-point plus games on 62% shooting from the floor, and that’s despite shooting just 31.8% from three-point range.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has looked unstoppable once again, posting 30, 55, and 35 points through his first three games.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 and 37 points in his first two games on an absurd 67.5% efficiency,  both wins.

Projecting the USA vs. World All-Star Rosters

Let’s say those five headline the World Team in the All-Star Game. That’s one incredible starting lineup. And even though Jokić and Luka don’t usually care much about the All-Star Game, Giannis and Wemby are known for their competitiveness, even in exhibition settings.

When Giannis made his first few All-Star appearances, he defended hard and tried to win at all costs. Wembanyama, meanwhile, showed his frustration about losing even at the Skills Challenge.

The World Team could also feature players like Domantas Sabonis, Franz Wagner, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Lauri Markkanen, and Alperen Sengun, a truly formidable roster.

The challenge for the Americans will be finding enough big men. They’re stacked on the wings and in the backcourt with players like Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, Cade Cunningham, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, LeBron James, Jalen Williams, and Kevin Durant. But their frontcourt rotation is thinner, with Evan Mobley, Anthony Davis, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Is the Olympic Gold at Stake?

The good news for the Americans is that all of these World players don’t play on the same national team. If they did, Team USA might have a real challenge on its hands heading into the 2028 Olympics.

For now, fans can simply enjoy a USA vs. World matchup during All-Star Weekend. But one thing is clear, the rest of the world is catching up. Who knows when the next American regular-season MVP will come along?