NBA All-Star voting is set to conclude at 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with the announcement of five starters from each conference on Monday and reserves selected by the league’s coaches on February 1. As fans finalize their ballots, scrutiny falls on which players will make the cut, who is on the bubble, and how superstars like LeBron James fit into the equation.
This year’s All-Star Game will deviate from tradition, opting for a format that pits a round-robin style of American players against their international counterparts. The roster aims for 16 American players and eight international players, with provisions in place to add candidates if necessary, mirroring the flexibility typical of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s decisions regarding player participation.
In the Eastern Conference, certain starter selections are straightforward, especially with the league’s contemporary focus on a positionless play style. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a favorite despite concerns about meeting the 65-game prerequisite for All-NBA consideration. His consistent performance makes him a lock for a spot in his 10th consecutive All-Star Game.
Cade Cunningham, asserting his dominance as the leader of the high-flying Pistons, and Jalen Brunson, a steady performer for New York, are also expected to secure starting roles. Tyrese Maxey’s critical scoring for the 76ers brings him into the conversation as well. The final starter position sees a neck-and-neck battle between Boston’s Jaylen Brown and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, both of whom are having standout seasons. Mitchell’s offensive prowess has been vital for Cleveland, while Brown’s emergence as a top scorer has been influential for Boston.
Moving to the reserves, Mikal Bridges and Scottie Barnes hold solid cases for inclusion due to their strong performances this season. Additionally, Jalen Duren’s defensive prowess has gained the attention it deserves as Detroit’s surprising climb in the standings continues.
In the Western Conference, the starter selections reflect a similar trend of certainties. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are set to lead the charge, with Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama rounding out the expected star-studded lineup. The final spot is debated but likely to favor Anthony Edwards over Stephen Curry due to his two-way play consistency this season.
Among the reserves, Chet Holmgren has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year contender, and Jamal Murray is experiencing a career year. The Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant also stand out, with Durant remaining a scoring machine as he edges closer to another 50-40-90 season.
The bubble discussion in the West raises eyebrows, particularly regarding LeBron James, who faces uncertainty given his participation in just 21 games this season. Fellow Lakers player Austin Reaves is also on the cusp but has been hindered by injuries. On the other hand, Washington’s Deni Avdija has made a compelling case for his inclusion following a breakout season, while Devin Booker provides leadership for a surprising Suns team that has found a resurgence.
Considering all factors, the American selections—Cunningham, Brunson, Maxey, Brown, Mitchell, Johnson, Barnes, Duren, Towns, Powell, Holmgren, Edwards, and Curry—along with the international players—Antetokounmpo, Siakam, Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Doncic, Jokic, Murray, Sengun, and Avdija—create an exhilarating mix of talent. The choice of Leonard over James for the final slot may spark debate, reflecting the complexities of this year’s voting landscape where performance, injuries, and team standings amid the competition greatly influence decisions.
As fans eagerly await the final selections, the prospect of assembling a truly dynamic gathering of basketball talent remains a highlight of the NBA season.