The city of Toronto is less than a month away from becoming the epicentre of the NBA universe.
With all-star voting still underway, fans looking forward to one of the most exciting weekends in basketball will be happy to learn that the Celebrity All-Star Game participants have been announced.
There is also a change in format. For the first time since its introduction to All-Star Weekend in 2003, the Celebrity Game will see Team Canada square off with Team USA.
Looking at the rosters for each team, it was obvious to us here at the Sportsnet.ca desk that the list was incomplete. In light of that, we decided to make our own fantasy lineups for each team.
Team Canada
PG – Justin Bieber
MVP of the 2011 Celebrity Game, Bieber should have been an obvious participant in this year’s event considering the host city. As it stands right now, he is not on the roster, and that’s just not right.
SG – The Weeknd
The Weeknd was born and raised in Scarborough and would complement Bieber nicely in the backcourt. Not sure what his jumper looks like, but we are willing to bet that he can knock down some key shots for Team Canada.
SF – Christine Sinclair
A no-brainer. The soccer superstar’s quick feet and vision on the pitch should translate somewhat well on the court. Timely cuts and a strong post-up game may be in Sinclair’s wheelhouse, not to mention that she would be a crowd favourite.
PF – Russell Peters
Another Toronto favourite, Peters stands at around six feet and would be a hilarious option for the frontcourt. His defence can be a barrage of jokes, distracting his opponents and causing havoc on the floor with probably the best trash talking of anyone on this list.
C – Gordon Downie
Team Canada’s dark horse. The Tragically Hip lead singer may be over 50, but Downie could be a strong defensive anchor. We hear he stands at about six-foot-three, so that’s a plus.
Team USA
PG – Meek Mill
This is where things get interesting. With Drake coaching team Canada, this can be the most entertaining matchup of the entire All-Star Weekend. We expect some serious trash talking, flagrant and technical fouls leading to ejections for both teams.
SG – Kanye West
A polarizing presence, West would probably never do this, but it would be very exciting if he did. Imagine the backcourt of Kanye and Mill going up against Bieber and the Weeknd with Drake on the sideline. Wow!
SF – Abby Wambach
They faced off on the pitch, now lets see this legendary matchup on the court. Wambach vs. Sinclair has the potential to surpass the Drake-Meek Mill rivalry we already set up. Either way there would be plenty of headlines after this game.
PF – Jason Segel
Segel helped Harvard-Westlake win two CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) state championships as the backup to Jason Collins. Let’s see if the actor still has game.
C – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
How long before Johnson grabs Peters, applies his patented “Rock Bottom” finisher on the comedian, and just to add insult to injury, ends his night with a “People’s Elbow”?
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will take place on Friday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. ET at Ricoh Coliseum.
