Also, agreeing with everyone that the All Star game is dumb.
In Australian rugby league, the equivalent is the state of origin, which is a 3 game series where players represent the state they grew up in, rather than where they are contracted to play. The games are extremely intense and physical.
It's a bit easier for rugby league, which is mostly only played in 2 Australian states, than for basketball in the US. But I imagine if players were representing where they grew up, there might be a bit more pride involved.
In Australian rugby league, the equivalent is the state of origin, which is a 3 game series where players represent the state they grew up in, rather than where they are contracted to play. The games are extremely intense and physical.
It's a bit easier for rugby league, which is mostly only played in 2 Australian states, than for basketball in the US. But I imagine if players were representing where they grew up, there might be a bit more pride involved.