Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Team USA fears they’d get their a** kicked by those international players.” – Stephen A. Smith tears down on Team USA players

Stephen A. Smith tears down on Team USA players and makes a bold claim on the show.

Image Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The NBA’s new All-Star game format also fails to revive the viewership. Multiple changes over the years have been implemented, yet no positive response from the fans.

In a recent broadcast, Stephen A. Smith tears down on Team USA players and makes a bold claim on the show. Despite, Team USA winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Smith doubled down on his claim when asked by Molly Andrews, “Molly..Molly.. I’m going to say it on national television. The international players will bust their living behinds.

“Team USA fears they’d get their a** kicked by those international players.” said Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think American players would want to face international players in an All-Star Game

"Team USA fears they'd get their ass kicked by those international players."

(h/t @awfulannouncing )
pic.twitter.com/DAXq5nC5jQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 21, 2025

Stephen A. Smith also questioned team USA’s game intent while praising the international star’s hunger. The hunger these international star’s get from their fans and the pride they take in representing their country at the global level.

“Not just because their skill set is on par with them, but because they care and are compelled by their audience from their homelands even more”

He also believes after the recent sucess of Four-Nations face-off, NBA has to add “Team USA versus Team World” at the All-Star game. The analyst also questioned the meaning of the All-Star game if it doesn’t feature the best versus the best.

“You can also sell it because if you don’t, then what’s the purpose of All-Star Week and the NBA?” said Stephen A. Smith.

Which global stars could suit Up for “Team World”?

If the alleged matchup happens, team world would have a stacked lineup of multiple MVP candidates from one to five. Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s backcourt duo could shake any perimeter defense with their isolation scoring prowess. Giannis Antetokounmpo at the three and Victor Wembanyama at the four, can be foundations to a lockdown defense. Rounding it off can be Nikola Jokic at the five who could pass the ball like a wizard to some of the best players active in the NBA.

The reserves could be Franz Wagner, Pascal Siakam and Alperen Sengun who will hold the bench depth for frontcourt. Jamal Murray, Josh Giddey and Kyrie Irving if he plays for team Australia could be the backup guards for team World.

Also Read:

NBA

NBA All-Star

Stephen A. Smith

Suryansh Kumar

NBA/WNBA Writer

nba

wnba

Hello, my name is Suryansh, and I write NBA/WNBA content for ThePlayoffs. I love sports, which is why I write and I love the NBA because of the stats. My aim is to find unique stats and perspectives to provide my readers with another angle on sports.