Bontemps Releases Complete 2026 NBA All-Star Picks, Faces Two Painful Final Choices
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ESPN senior writer Tim Bontemps on Jan. 14 unveiled his full ballot for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, laying out projected starters and reserves for each conference ahead of Wednesday’s 11:59 p.m. ET fan-voting deadline.
How the exhibition will work
The league plans a U.S. vs. World round-robin format featuring 16 American players and eight international selections. If either quota is not met, commissioner Adam Silver can add replacements.
Key calendar dates
• Jan. 20: Starters revealed
• Feb. 1: Coaches choose reserves
Eastern Conference selections
Starters
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Antetokounmpo is headed for his 10th straight appearance despite hovering near the 65-game availability threshold. Cunningham’s leap has Detroit leading the conference, while Brunson and Maxey remain consistent high-volume scorers. Brown edged Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell for the final starting spot, helped by Boston’s strong first half without the injured Jayson Tatum.
Reserve locks
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Johnson’s surge into the Most Improved Player race and Barnes’ two-way growth made their selections straightforward. Duren earned Detroit a second berth thanks to his connection with Cunningham and defensive strides.
Bubble picks (three chosen)
- Norman Powell, Miami Heat — IN
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks — IN
- Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers — IN
- Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic — out
- Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets — out
Powell’s offensive load during Tyler Herro’s injury absence secured his place. Towns’ counting numbers outweighed shooting struggles, and Siakam’s on-off impact pushed him past Bane and Porter.
Western Conference selections
Starters
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic remain at the top of MVP discussions, while Doncic leads the league in scoring. Wembanyama’s third-year jump has San Antonio sitting second in the West. Edwards edged Stephen Curry, primarily on two-way consistency.
Reserve locks
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
- Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets
Holmgren’s defensive impact made him an easy choice behind Wembanyama. Murray posted career highs across the board, while the Rockets’ tandem of Sengun and Durant has powered Houston’s offense.
Bubble picks (three chosen)
- Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers — IN
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns — IN
- Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers — IN
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers — out
- Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers — out
Avdija’s 26.1 points per game and Portland’s playoff push earned him quick approval. Booker’s leadership of an overachieving Suns squad gave him the edge over Leonard and James for the penultimate slot, but Bontemps ultimately added Leonard as a 25th player to satisfy the American quota, leaving James and Reaves on the outside.
Final tally
Americans selected: 16
Internationals selected: 9
The complete list features 15 American locks, Leonard as the additional U.S. pick, and nine international players, including Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, Doncic, Jokic and Sengun.
Source: ESPN
