NBA – A Big Name’s Harsh Take on Americans: “They Are Afraid That International Players…”

Just a few months after the Paris Olympic Games, NBA legends once again faced their international rivals during the recent All-Star Game.

This led an influential voice in the league to deliver a radical opinion.

A few days ago, the documentary L’Or à bout de bras was officially released on Netflix, giving basketball fans a chance to relive last summer’s Olympic tournament and the intense emotions it brought.

Many viewers were thrilled watching Team USA struggle against several European teams, including France in the tournament final.

A similar memory may have resurfaced during last Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.

Under a new, highly criticized format, the league’s American “OGs” triumphed over the “Global Stars,” echoing the outcome of the Paris Olympics.

Could this kind of matchup become a lasting tradition? That remains to be seen.

Are NBA’s American Stars Intimidated by Their International Rivals?

Despite innovations introduced by Adam Silver and his team, the All-Star Game once again failed to attract strong viewership.

On the contrary, ratings continued to decline.

As a result, some are suggesting that the NBA should turn the event into a battle between American All-Stars and international stars.

However, Stephen A. Smith believes that is unlikely to happen, as he explained on First Take this Friday:

Stephen A. Smith: “It can’t happen because Americans are afraid that international players would kick their butts. I am willing to say this on national television: the international players would destroy them! And it’s not just because their skill level is on par with the Americans. They genuinely care about their local fans and push themselves to the limit for them!”

“Remember the Olympics and how competitive the global level has become. Collectively, these international players don’t compare to Team USA. And yet, they pushed them to their limits. Why? Because they give everything! They’re not there to have fun! You can’t take them lightly.”

After struggling during the Olympics, American players would reportedly be reluctant to risk getting beaten by the “Rest of the World.”

This theory seems more relevant than ever, even though the recent All-Star Game ended in the Americans’ favor.

For that reason, Stephen A. remains skeptical and considers this format unrealistic for the future.

Already challenged at the Paris Olympics, NBA’s American stars are allegedly afraid of being dominated by their international counterparts at the All-Star Game.

At least, that’s the strong opinion expressed by Stephen A. Smith.