USA NBA stars don’t want international All-Star break because ‘they’d get their a– kicked:’ Stephen A. Smith

The NHL’s All-Star Break Triumph: How Hockey Outshined Basketball in February

February 2024 will be remembered as a month where hockey reigned supreme over basketball in the world of professional sports. While both the NBA and NHL took their annual All-Star breaks, the two leagues saw vastly different levels of success. The NHL introduced its new "4 Nations Face-Off" tournament, which not only revitalized interest in the sport but also drew the most viewers for a non-Stanley Cup game since 2019. In stark contrast, the NBA’s All-Star weekend, once a marquee event, hit an all-time low in viewership. The NBA Skills Competition was the least-watched in history, and the All-Star Game itself had the second-smallest audience ever. This stark disparity has sparked discussions about the NBA’s potential to adopt a similar international format, but not everyone believes it would be a slam dunk.

The NHL’s "4 Nations Face-Off": A Recipe for Success

The NHL’s "4 Nations Face-Off" was a bold experiment that paid off in a big way. The tournament featured teams from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Czechia, leveraging national pride and international rivalries to captivate audiences. The U.S.-Canada rivalry, in particular, carried significant weight, especially given the political undertones between the two nations. The championship game saw Canada emerge victorious in overtime, with Connor McDavid scoring the golden goal. This win marked Canada’s 14th victory over the U.S. in their 19 all-time "best-on-best" matchups, including two Olympic gold medal victories and a semifinal win at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The success of this tournament has many questioning whether the NBA could replicate this model, but there are concerns about whether American basketball players would embrace such a format.

The NBA’s Woes: A Lull in Fan Interest

The NBA’s All-Star weekend has long been a celebration of the league’s brightest stars, but this year’s event fell flat with fans. The Skills Competition, which typically showcases the talents of up-and-coming players, saw its lowest viewership ever. The All-Star Game itself didn’t fare much better, with the second-smallest audience in recorded history. This decline in interest has led to questions about the NBA’s ability to connect with fans during its break. While the league has experimented with various formats to keep the event fresh, it seems like the current approach isn’t resonating with viewers. The NHL’s success with the "4 Nations Face-Off" has some wondering if the NBA could benefit from a similar international format, but the challenges of such a move should not be underestimated.

Stephen A. Smith’s Take: Fear of International Competition

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the potential for the NBA to adopt an international format, and his comments were nothing short of explosive. On ESPN’s First Take, Smith suggested that American NBA players might be hesitant to participate in such a tournament because they fear being outperformed by international players. "Team USA fears they’d get their a– kicked by those international players," Smith declared. "I’m going to say it on national television: the international players will bust their living behinds. Yes they would." Smith’s comments were based on the idea that international players are not only skilled but also more motivated by the desire to represent their home countries and connect with their audiences. While the U.S. has historically dominated international basketball, winning eight of the last nine Olympic gold medals, the rest of the world is rapidly closing the gap.

The Changing Landscape of International Basketball

Smith’s comments may have been provocative, but they touched on a reality that many basketball fans are beginning to recognize: the world is catching up to the United States. While no single country can yet match the depth and talent of the U.S., a team composed of the best European players—think of a "Ryder Cup" style competition—could potentially challenge America’s dominance. Imagine a roster featuring the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama. Such a lineup would not only be formidable on paper but would also carry the weight of continental pride. The success of the NHL’s "4 Nations Face-Off" suggests that fans are hungry for these kinds of national and international rivalries, and the NBA would do well to consider how it can tap into this excitement.

A Glimpse into the Future: Lessons from the 4 Nations Face-Off

The NHL’s "4 Nations Face-Off" was more than just a successful event—it was a blueprint for how international competitions can breathe life into a sport. The tournament capitalized on existing rivalries, leveraged the pride of representing one’s country, and delivered compelling matchups that kept fans engaged. The inclusion of a political jab during the Canadian anthem, where the singer subtly criticized former President Donald Trump, also underscores how sports can intersect with broader cultural and political narratives. For the NBA, the key takeaway is that international competition has the potential to reignite interest and create new storylines. However, as Stephen A. Smith’s comments suggest, there are challenges to overcome, particularly when it comes to convincing American players to embrace such a format. Whether the NBA decides to follow the NHL’s lead or chart its own course, one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the opportunity to connect with a global audience has never been greater.