For the first-time in its storied history the NBA’s annual All-Star Celebrity Game will have a new format: Canada vs. USA.
Coaching each team will be Toronto-born megastar Drake (obviously) and comedian Kevin Hart (a four-time Celebrity Game MVP, for the uninitiated). Patrolling the sidelines alongside Drake for the Canadian team will also be two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista.
Though more names could be added, Canada’s roster of celebrities will include 6’5” tennis star Milos Raonic, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, Drew and Jonathan Scott (of the W Network’s Property Brothers), actor/singer Kris Wu, and actor Stephan James.
Celebrities on the American side include Creed star Michael B. Jordan, SNL alumn Jason Sudekis, actor Anthony Anderson, Empire‘s Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon, and, um, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry.
The WNBA will be well represented, too, with Guelph, ON native and Indiana Fever star Natalie Achonwa suiting up for Canada, while reigning MVP Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky will play for USA.
As always, both teams will also feature notable NBA alumn and a trio of former Raptors will be part of the game. For Canada, Tracy McGrady joins Toronto-born Rick Fox, while Team USA boasts 2004 NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups (who appeared in a Raptors jersey for 29 games back in ’98), and fan-favourite Muggsy Bogues.
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will be held at Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum and tips off on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7 ET on SportsnetONE and TSN.
Canada:
Milos Raonic
Win Butler
Kris Wu
Drew Scott
Jonathan Scott
Stephan James
Natalie Achonwa
Tracy McGrady
Rick Fox
USA
Jason Sudekis
Michael B. Jordan
Anthony Anderson
Bryshere “Yazz” Grey
Nick Cannon
Marc Lasry
Elena Delle Donne
Chauncey Billups
Muggsy Bogues
