Rising Stars Challenge to become a USA vs World format

The NBA is always looking to make their annual Rising Stars Challenge, at All Star Weekend, more exciting and fun. The first implementation of the game, in 1994, was just a simple match up of the best rookies across the NBA competing in an exhibition game, with sophomores being added in later years to help expand candidacy pool. Since then, the game has gone through many evolution across it’s existence ranging from East vs West, Rookie vs Sophomore, and the most recent iteration of two mixed rookie sophomore teams going at it in a single exhibition game.

Now, the Rising Stars challenge will go through another change. The NBA announced in a press release today that their rising stars challenge will now be played in a USA vs the World format.

"“The league’s assistant coaches will select 10 U.S. players and 10 international players for the game, with one ballot for each of the NBA’s 30 teams. Both 10-man rosters will include four guards, four frontcourt players and two players regardless of position. Each team will also feature a minimum of three first-year players and three second-year players among its 10 spots”"

To be blunt, this is the coolest form of the rising stars challenge yet. Not only do we get to see the world show off their top prospects, but it might add a little bit of competitiveness to an otherwise glorified exhibition game. National pride is on the line for the American team, and the international team wants to show that they’re just as good as any team full of Americans. This could become the most competitive game of all star weekend, and that’s not the only reason this event should exist.

The NBA has seen a massive growth across the world with their rosters featuring more international players than ever. The last two number one overall picks were both Canadian, and the Spurs won a championship last year with a roster full of international players. Why not have an event that showcases just how much the world has grown?