While Giannis Antetokounmpo was unable to participate in the festivities of NBA All-Star Weekend 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar is still well aware of the struggles that the league has undergone attempting to refresh the event and create more excitement for both fans and players. While there are many propositions about what could be done, Antetokounmpo took to social media to advocate for the popular Team USA vs Team World format.
USATSI 22558682 168400517 lowres
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball past Western Conference forward Luka Doncic (77) of the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter in the 73rd NBA All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo Supports Team USA vs Team World at NBA All-Star
Giannis Antetokounmpo has some new ideas for how the NBA can reshape its All-Star Weekend format that has continuously bored both fans and players alike in recent years. The league has tried All-Star captains drafting teams, the classic East vs West format, and charity donations being involved to promote competitiveness. However, the game has been dulled to a point where most parties feel that change is necessary.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lebron James
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Many fans, media experts, and former players have proposed ideas that Adam Silver could implement at next year’s event. Some players have even spoken on the issue, and now, Antetokounmpo has made a decisive call on what he feels the event should become.
This should be next year All Star Game format!! Must see basketball💯🔥 https://t.co/OFtmk6JNxW
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 26, 2025
In the graphic Antetokounmpo reposted on Twitter, Team World was led by himself, Denver’s Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Los Angeles’ Luka Dončić (Slovenia). and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama (France). With the Greek Freak completing the lineup, the Team World All-Stars would boast five different nations in its starting five.
Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum were representing Team USA in the artwork. Antetokounmpo’s teammate Damian Lillard could also be someone in consideration for such a team.
USATSI 16486081 168400517 lowres
Jul 31, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Team United States guard Damian Lillard (6) dribbles the ball in front of Team United States small forward Jayson Tatum (10) and Team United States centre Bam Adebayo (13) against Czech Republic during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Could Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Idea Actually Be Implemented?
The NBA is in a place today where there are dozens of high-level international players that could make a competition like this possible. In fact, each of the last seven NBA MVPs have been from nations outside of the United States.
Twenty years ago, Team USA would likely far outweigh a hypothetical Team World from a skill perspective. However, in 2025, many could argue that Team USA would actually be second-best in terms of talent if such a matchup were to take place.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic
Feb 17, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Team Giannis forward Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34), Team Giannis guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (30) and Team Giannis center Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets (15) react during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
While there are plenty of international stars to chose from that could create balanced teams, one issue could be that the All-Stars would have to be cherry picked in order to create evenly sized rosters for both squads. Such a process could leave out deserving players for the simple reason of nationality, while promoting other perhaps less-deserving players in their place.
While there would be some logistical hurdles, many NBA fans would likely find this idea very exciting. Perhaps if other league stars like Antetokounmpo voiced their support for such an idea, the league would find a way to make it happen. All-Star 2026 is set to take place in Los Angeles, at the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome.
Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks is interviewed after winning the 73rd NBA All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!