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Tim Bontemps
The NBA revealed its All-Star Game starters for the upcoming event on Monday—marking the first time in decades that Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James did not make the list.
Luka Doncic, James’s teammate, topped the Western Conference voting and was joined by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. In the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo led the votes, joined by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.
The most notable aspect of the selection was the absence of James, who has been named a starter for a record 21 All-Star Games throughout his career—every one since the 2005 game held in Denver. but, this year he did not come close to securing enough votes for a starting spot in the West. After missing the first 14 games due to sciatica, James struggled upon his return, including the end of his impressive streak of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points in Toronto last month. This has left his potential inclusion in the All-Star Game in the hands of the league’s coaches.
although not being a starter, Curry was selected, marking the 12th All-Star Game appearance in his Hall of Fame career as he averages 27.6 points per game while nearing his 38th birthday. Antetokounmpo, who also hit double digits in All-Star appearances, leads the East starters and continues to deliver exceptional statistics (28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists), even as his Bucks sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
Doncic is back in the All-Star lineup after missing last year’s game due to a calf injury that was part of his surprising trade to the Lakers. He leads fan voting and is averaging an impressive 33.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. Jokic has also had an incredible season, boasting staggering averages of 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists before a recent knee injury sidelined him. likewise, Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, averages 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists for the top-performing Thunder.
The final Western Conference All-Star spot went to Wembanyama, making his All-Star debut after earning his first selection last season, and he is currently averaging 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and leading the league with 2.6 blocks per game.
In the East, Antetokounmpo is joined by Cunningham, who is making his second NBA All-Star appearance and first start as the leader of the East-leading Pistons, currently on track to win 60 games after a remarkable ascent for the second consecutive season. Maxey, also a two-time All-Star and first-time starter, is averaging over 30 points this season, helping propel Philadelphia back into playoff contention after last year’s troubles. Brunson, averaging 28.2 points and 6.1 assists, is set to make his third straight All-Star appearance for the Knicks.
The final Eastern Conference spot was awarded to Brown, who is enjoying a career-best season with an average of 29.7 points for the surprising Celtics, who are currently second in the conference, trailing the Pistons by 4½ games.
The voting procedure consists of three categories: fan voting (50%), a media voters panel (25%), and player voting (25%).
The reserves will be announced on Sunday, chosen by the NBA coaches.
This year, the All-Star Game is implementing a “Team USA versus the World” format, dividing the All-Stars into three rosters; two made up of American players and the third consisting of international players.
Monday’s starters included five American and five international players. If there are fewer than 16 American or eight international players selected among the 14 reserves announced, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will add more All-Stars to meet those minimum criteria for filling the three game rosters.
