As the NBA becomes increasingly global, the San Antonio Spurs and superstar Victor Wemanyama are at the center of the league's growth. While players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are better players (for now), Wembanyama has by far the most potential and is easy to market.
In an effort to draw viewership to the dying All-Star Game, commissioner Adam Silver announced that next season would feature an official "USA vs. World" format.
"Next year, as part of our new media deals, the All-Star Game returns to NBC, where it was when we were younger," Silver outlined on Fox Sports. "And it so happens that next season will be smack in the middle of the Winter Olympics."
The NBA, while not officially involved with Team USA's run to gold in the Paris Olympics, found a lot of success showcasing their talents on the international stage. With the Winter Games adding to international sporting events, the league wants to continue to capitalize on that.
"What better time to feature some form of USA against the world?" Silver asked.
Jokic, SGA, Giannis, Luka Doncic, and Wembanyama all seem like locks to represent the world team, and Wemby, likely, will be named a starter in an oversized lineup.
Wembanyama made his first All-Star Game this season before blood clots ended his year prematurely, and he offered six points and four rebounds in a shorter format than previous years.
With Wemby a lock for the All-Star Game next season, he will have a chance to show that he is the next face of the league in possibly his last matchup against LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
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