The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is getting a major makeover! Forget the traditional East vs. West showdown; this midseason classic is evolving into a round-robin tournament featuring two U.S. teams and one international squad. But before the tournament tips off, let's dive into the picks for the starters, as selected by some of the most insightful voices in basketball media.
The starters for the Eastern and Western conferences will be unveiled on Monday, and the selection process remains a blend of fan votes (50%), current player votes (25%), and a media panel (25%). However, a key change this year: players are chosen regardless of their position on the court.
Three esteemed writers from The Athletic—Josh Robbins, William Guillory, and Zach Harper—have shared their ballots, giving us a peek into their thought processes. Let's break down their choices and the reasoning behind them.
Ballot 1: Josh Robbins' Perspective
Robbins' approach? He leans towards players who contribute to winning. He prioritizes those whose teams are at the top of the standings and make a positive impact on defense.
- East Starters: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
- West Starters: Luka Dončić (Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokić (Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
For the East, Robbins found the choices relatively clear-cut. Cunningham's performance has been outstanding. Brown's two-way dominance, Brunson's scoring and playmaking, and Maxey's consistency all earned them spots. Antetokounmpo's all-around game also secured his place despite the Bucks' struggles.
In the West, Robbins selected the best players from the top teams. He didn't penalize Jokić and Wembanyama for missed games, acknowledging their undeniable impact when they played. But here's where it gets controversial: Robbins chose to base his selections solely on the players' performance this season, even overlooking the potential for a sentimental nod to a legend like LeBron James.
Ballot 2: William Guillory's Take
Guillory's selections echo a similar sentiment, with a focus on players who have truly stepped up their game.
- East Starters: Antetokounmpo, Brown, Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey
- West Starters: Dončić, Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama
Guillory found the East selections straightforward, highlighting Cunningham's MVP-caliber season and the significant improvements of Brown and Maxey. He admitted that leaving Donovan Mitchell off the list was a tough call, but ultimately, the Cavaliers' overall performance played a role in his decision. In the West, the choices were equally clear, with Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, and Dončić leading the pack. Wembanyama's exciting play also earned him a spot, despite playing fewer minutes than the other starters. And this is the part most people miss: The toughest decision for Guillory was the final spot in the West, ultimately giving the edge to Edwards over Kevin Durant due to Houston's inconsistent play.
Ballot 3: Zach Harper's Choices
Harper's selections largely mirror those of his colleagues, emphasizing the standout performers of the season.
- East Starters: Antetokounmpo, Brown, Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey
- West Starters: Dončić, Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama
Harper's East picks were straightforward, highlighting Giannis's dominance, Maxey and Brown's exceptional play, Cunningham's impact, and Brunson's consistent performance. In the West, Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander were easy choices, along with Dončić. Harper acknowledged Wembanyama's deserving status despite missing some games. His final decision came down to Edwards, Devin Booker, and Kawhi Leonard, ultimately favoring Edwards.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with these selections? Are there any players you believe were overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the potential impact of these choices on the upcoming All-Star tournament and the exciting future of the NBA!
