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Ahead of the 74th annual NBA All-Star Game, Giannis Antetokounmpo shared his thoughts on the new format and potential enhancements for the prestigious gathering of North America’s elite basketball players.
Due to a left calf strain, the Greek superstar sat out the event at Chase Center on Sunday.
“I think that would be fantastic,” he expressed enthusiasm for the concept of a matchup between U.S. players and international athletes in the All-Star Game. “It would definitely be the most captivating and thrilling format.”
“I always give my all in competition, but the challenge of facing off against players like Shai, Jokic, Luka, Wemby, Towns, and Sengun would certainly add an extra spark for me. I’m sure I’m leaving out some great talents that I can’t recall at the moment. Competing against the top U.S. players would be a blast,” he continued.
He further entertained the idea of hosting the All-Star Game internationally, saying, “Having it in the UK or Paris would be exciting. Even holding a game in Greece could be an option, despite its smaller size. And what about a game in China? Imagine all the stars gathering there for a weekend to play an All-Star Game.”
Antetokounmpo emphasized a shift in focus towards a more competitive atmosphere during the All-Star Game. While he expressed his willingness to engage fully when given the chance, he recognized that his mindset might be atypical among fellow players.
“You can’t compel anyone to give their best effort if they aren’t inclined to do so. Personally, I approach this weekend with the aim to compete against the best. I ensure I take my pre-game rest, receive treatment the night before, refrain from going out, and have my pre-game meal. I treat it like a serious game because I want to bring my ‘A’ game against the top players in the world,” he stated. “Others, and I don’t mean any disrespect, have the right to follow their own routines. Some simply want to wrap things up and leave.”
Revisiting the idea of a U.S. versus World format, he asserted, “That’s an exhilarating concept. I believe it would encourage players to truly compete.”
In addition to discussing the All-Star Game and its potential changes, Giannis also commented on the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Europe’s premier club competition.
“I view the EuroLeague as an exceptional league filled with immense talent. It’s possible that the top two, three, or four teams in the EuroLeague could compete at an NBA level. For instance, my brother’s team, Panathinaikos, had nine former NBA players,” he noted. “I actually prefer watching EuroLeague basketball over the NBA, although the level of competition differs. The best NBA teams like Denver, Oklahoma City, or Boston would dominate many EuroLeague squads.”
“Playing under FIBA rules might give some EuroLeague teams a fighting chance,” he added when comparing NBA and EuroLeague teams. “However, if the game were played under NBA rules, those teams would be at a significant disadvantage.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo supporting #EuroLeague at the #NBAAllStar
“EuroLeague is an outstanding league, very, very talented. The top two to four teams resemble NBA teams. I enjoy watching EuroLeague basketball more than the NBA…” [insert image/video link here]
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) February 17, 2025
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