The NBA is eager to change the All-Star Game. In fact, many fans feel the league is downright desperate to shake things up. After years of negative reviews from analysts and fans, the NBA is on the verge of adopting a new format that might make many people happy.
One person who may be really satisfied with a new version of the All-Star Game is Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, because he could be selected for his fourth appearance at All-Star Weekend.
Sabonis should be on the international team at the 2026 All-Star Game
Although born in the US, Sabonis has always been proud to play for Team Lithuania. And although he is sitting out of the EuroBasket tournament this year, he will be prepared and ready for the All-Star Game in a few months. We aren't entirely sure if Sabonis will be with the Kings at that point, but he'll certainly be an All-Star contender.
The NBA is weighing the idea of turning the game into a battle between American and international pros. Adam Silver and his staff are smart to consider this, because it's what fans have been clamoring for for years. They are sick and tired of the same old, same old, and they want the league to do something new. Similar formats have worked for other leagues, so why wouldn't it be successful with the NBA?
The league has never had so many talented international stars. In fact, the association's best players come from other countries. Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and many more run the NBA, and they could create a formidable and perhaps unstoppable international squad for the All-Star Game.
In this case, Sabonis might not be a starter, but he could fight for a position in the second unit. Guys like Doncic, Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and others would be clear favorites to start, but Sabonis would have a great chance of coming off the bench, which is still a huge honor.
The team will be comprised of eight players, and the roster will fill up quickly. Sabonis would likely be competing with talented athletes like Alperen Sengun and Franz Wagner for the last coveted spot in the lineup. It wouldn't be a cakewalk, but Sabonis' years of experience and three previous All-Star appearances could help him punch his ticket to the game.
There are so many terrific international stars right now, so Sabonis' inclusion on this potential team isn't guaranteed. He needs to start the season strongly and has to produce a lot before its halfway point. But Sabonis averaged 19.1 points and a league-high 13.9 rebounds last season. In fact, he's led the league in rebounds three years straight. That's more than enough to be considered one of the most significant international stars in the league.