NBA All-Star Weekend is here which means the most heralded in the Association are arriving in Charlotte to join a mass of entertainers. From young to old, NBA Stardom is filing into the arena to watch: television personality and maker of essential oils, Doctor Oz guard Ray Allen. I wish I were kidding.
99.9 percent of the population still has no idea why this game occurs, and it’s probably already begun by the time you read this. This Open Thread is dedicated mostly to the second game — a much more exciting affair that features 20 of the league’s brightest — an amalgamation of overseas and home-grown American talent pitted against each other in the most ironic representation the league could convey of the current US geopolitical arena.
Our young 21-year-old Hoosier raised, but British-born OG Anunoby will, of course, be sporting a World Team uniform — fending off Team America: World Po.... wait that’s not right.
Joking aside, the game will provide actual enjoyment for many, as the league looks to crown the next Bogdan Bogdanovic (last year’s Rising Stars MVP) and continue ushering in the next generation of incredible talent. Joining Anunoby will be a crew including Ben Simmons, DeAndre Ayton, Canada’s own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and of course, rookie phenom Luka Doncic.
Team America (don’t say it) will be platooned by plenty of young budding stars including Kevin Knox, who will replace the injured Lonzo Ball. Knox will be joined by Jarrett Allen of the Nets, De’Aaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, and rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Rosters:
Team USA – Jarrett Allen, Marvin Bagley III, Lonzo Ball, John Collins, De’Aaron Fox, Jaren Jackson Jr., Kevin Knox, Kyle Kuzma, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young
Team World – OG Anunoby, Deandre Ayton, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rodions Kurucs, Lauri Markkanen, Josh Okogie, Cedi Osman, Ben Simmons
Where to Watch:
TSN, 9pm