The 2026 NBA All-Star Game reserves are here, and the drama is real. But here's where it gets controversial: while Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell secured their spots, several deserving players were left on the cutting room floor. Did the coaches make the right calls, or did they miss the mark entirely? Let’s dive in.
The fan-voted starters were announced earlier, and while some players might feel slighted—like Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, who narrowly lost a tiebreaker to Victor Wembanyama—they still have a chance to shine. And this is the part most people miss: the real snubs happen when the reserves are announced. These selections, made by the coaches, are where the tough decisions are made, blending big-name stars with breakout performers and unexpected standouts. But no matter how you slice it, some deserving players are bound to be left out.
Below, we break down the coaches’ picks, analyze the biggest snubs, and explore the unique format of this year’s All-Star Game. As a quick refresher, here are the fan-voted starters:
Eastern Conference Starters:
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) Note: Giannis is out with a calf strain; his replacement will be selected by Commissioner Adam Silver
Western Conference Starters:
- Luka Doncic (Lakers)
- Stephen Curry (Warriors)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Eastern Conference Reserves:
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Norman Powell (Heat)
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Jalen Duren (Pistons)
Biggest Eastern Snubs: Michael Porter Jr. (Nets), Josh Giddey (Bulls), Bam Adebayo (Heat), Brandon Ingram (Raptors), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
Western Conference Reserves:
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
Biggest Western Snubs: Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Alperen Sengun (Rockets), Julius Randle (Timberwolves), Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)
Analysis of Reserve Picks:
- LeBron James makes his 22nd All-Star appearance, but did he earn it this season? With 17 missed games and averages of 21.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, his inclusion is debatable. Was this a nod to his legacy or his current performance?
- Kawhi Leonard was a glaring omission. Playing in 34 games, he’s averaged 27.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 39.5% from three and anchoring the Clippers’ defense. How could the coaches overlook him?
- Alperen Sengun of the Rockets was a snub that stings. Averaging 21 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, he’s the engine of the NBA’s fifth-best offense. Did the coaches prioritize name recognition over impact?
All-Star Game Format:
This year’s All-Star Game introduces a groundbreaking USA vs. World format, perfectly timed with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 24 players will be divided into two USA teams and one World team, competing in a round-robin tournament of four 12-minute games. The top two teams will then face off in a championship game. It’s a bold change, but will it live up to the hype?
All-Star Weekend Schedule:
- Feb. 13: Rising Stars and NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, respectively.
- Feb. 14: All-Star Saturday Night (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Dunk Contest) at the Intuit Dome.
- Feb. 15: The 75th NBA All-Star Game at 5 p.m. Eastern, followed by coverage of the Winter Olympics.
Controversial Question: Did the coaches prioritize star power over on-court performance in their selections? Who do you think was the biggest snub? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
