The NBA All-Star Game will be held north of the border for the first time this season, and the change in host nation has brought about a tweak in the format of the annual All-Star Celebrity Game.
Rather than pitting a group of East Coast celebs against one from the West, the 2016 event in Toronto will be an international affair, with Team USA taking on Team Canada.
Actor Kevin Hart, a four-time Celebrity Game MVP, will trade his sneakers for a clipboard to coach the American squad, which will feature actors Jason Sudeikis, Michael B. Jordan, Anthony Anderson and Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, entertainer Nick Cannon, former NBA players Chauncey Billups and Muggsy Bogues, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne.
Drake, the most famous Torontonian on the planet, will coach the Canadians. His roster will include actor Stephan James, Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler, “Property Brothers” stars Drew and Jonathan Scott, tennis pro Milos Raonic, actor/singer Kris Wu, ex-NBAers Tracy McGrady and Rick Fox, and Natalie Achonwa of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.
Team Canada also will have some serious star power on its sideline, as two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista will serve as Drake’s assistant coaches.
The game, which kicks off NBA All-Star Weekend, is set for Friday, Feb. 12.
Thumbnail photo via Tom Szczerbowski/USA TODAY Sports Images
