The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced its 2026 All-Star game starters earlier this week, and there were no significant shocks amongst the ten players chosen across the two teams. Selections for the event, which is one of the highlights of the 2026 sporting calendar in North America, traditionally generate plenty of debate. The starters are as follows:
Eastern Conference
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
- Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
- Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
- Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
- Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Western Conference
- Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
- Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
- Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
Read on as we look at some of the key takeaways from the All-Star selections, starting with Curry’s inclusion ahead of Anthony Edwards.
Edwards Overlooked
Edwards is averaging nearly 30 points and shooting 50 percent from the field per game, so a strong case could be made for his inclusion ahead of Curry. He ranked fourth in the players’ vote and fifth in the media vote, but a seventh-place finish in the fan vote tipped the scales in Curry’s favor.
Curry is having another excellent season with the Golden State Warriors, so it is easy to see why he warrants starter status. However, with the selection process tilted toward the fan vote, Edwards may feel he was unfortunate to have been overlooked.
Murray is in Contention for a Reserve Pick
Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray is averaging 26 points and shooting almost 49% from the field per game, which makes him a strong contender to bag a reserve selection. It was not too long ago that people were questioning the Nuggets’ decision to award Murray a bumper contract extension, but he has been in fine form this season.
With Nikola Jokic sidelined with a knee injury, there has been increased pressure on Murray to keep the Nuggets competitive in the Western Conference. Murray has never previously been selected as an All-Star, but this may be the year that he breaks his duck and enhances his career resume.
New Format Creates Problems
The introduction of a new format in which two teams of United States players and one international team compete in a round-robin tournament has raised some issues. Achieving a 16/8 split for the 24 players across three teams may not come naturally, which creates a potential headache for NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
There are already five international players among the starters, while Murray’s selection would make it six. However, filling the other two spots will be tricky. With potentially nine or ten international players in contention, Silver may be forced to intervene once the head coaches have made their selections.
A Final All-Star dance for LeBron James?
While LeBron James has been a regular fixture in the All-Star game during his career, his omission from the initial selections list was no real surprise. The 41-year-old’s late withdrawal from the 2025 edition angered fans and pundits, and the NBA will be eager to avoid a similar controversy this time around.
Although head coaches will likely name him as one of the seven Western Conference reserves, his selection would be a sentimental one rather than based on current form. However, if the NBA is aware behind the scenes that this is James’ final year in professional basketball, he will probably be handed the opportunity to have a final All-Star dance.
