Luka Doncic has thrown his support behind a potential new stars-only spectacle: a one-on-one showdown between Kyrie Irving and Victor Wembanyama during the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend.
Speaking on Hot Ones, Doncic said he believes those two would make for an electrifying duel, thanks to Kyrie’s elite isolation skills and Wembanyama’s rare size and versatility.
The idea comes amid rumors the league is considering a one-on-one tournament as a fresh feature to reinvigorate All-Star Weekend.
With fans and players alike seeking more competitive formats, Doncic’s nomination of this specific pairing adds weight and intrigue to the evolving conversation.
Quando pressed on whom else might deserve a spot, Doncic stuck to his guns: Wembanyama is a lock because “you really can’t score on him” in isolation, and Kyrie deserves inclusion given his signature offensive repertoire. The matchup, he believes, would play like a modern David versus Goliath.
Envisioning a one-on-one revolution
The beauty of a duel like Kyrie vs Wemby is the contrast: Kyrie’s ballhandling, crafty finishes, pull-backs and floaters meet Wemby’s length, rim protection, and ability to handle the ball.
In traditional five-on-five games, Wembanyama’s inside dominance sometimes overshadows his guard skills; in a head-to-head format, those guard instincts get spotlighted.
For NBA leadership, the challenge is balancing spectacle with safety and competitive integrity. Older stars often shy away from extended All-Star commitments due to injury risk, which is part of what’s held back more daring formats.
But a short, high-intensity one-on-one tournament might answer that. Doncic’s public declaration adds legitimacy – when stars themselves call for it, the league is more likely to listen.
If Irving vs Wembanyama ever becomes reality, it could shift how superfans experience All-Star ballots and matchups – not just for entertainment, but for legacy. And with Doncic already planting the seed, the question now is whether the NBA pulls the trigger.
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