The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is shaking things up—again. Forget everything you thought you knew about this midseason spectacle. Instead of the traditional East vs. West showdown, the league has confirmed a round-robin tournament featuring two U.S. teams and one international squad. But here’s where it gets controversial: the starters are still being chosen by fans, players, and media, but positions no longer matter. Does this new format dilute the All-Star legacy, or is it a bold step forward? Let’s dive into the picks from three of The Athletic’s NBA writers—Josh Robbins, William Guillory, and Zach Harper—who shared their ballots and the reasoning behind their choices. And this is the part most people miss: how do you balance individual brilliance with team success when positions are thrown out the window?
Ballot No. 1: Josh Robbins
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)
Robbins prioritizes players who drive winning, especially those whose teams sit atop the standings. Cunningham, for instance, has been the linchpin for the East’s top team, while Brunson’s leadership propelled the Knicks to the NBA Cup title. Antetokounmpo’s two-way dominance earned him a spot despite the Bucks’ struggles. In the West, Jokić and Wembanyama were no-brainers, even with missed games. But here’s the debate: Should LeBron James, arguably one of the greatest ever, get a final All-Star nod based on legacy, or should voters focus solely on this season’s performance?
Ballot No. 2: William Guillory
East Starters: Antetokounmpo, Brown, Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey
West Starters: Dončić, Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama
Guillory’s East picks were a no-brainer, with Cunningham’s MVP-caliber season and Brown’s two-way prowess leading the charge. The real drama? Leaving Donovan Mitchell off the list. Despite Mitchell’s sensational play, Cleveland’s underperformance cost him a spot. In the West, Wembanyama’s limited minutes sparked debate, but Guillory gave him the benefit of the doubt. The final spot came down to Edwards and Kevin Durant, with Edwards edging out due to Houston’s inconsistent play. Is it fair to penalize players for their team’s shortcomings, or should individual performance reign supreme?
Ballot No. 3: Zach Harper
East Starters: Antetokounmpo, Brown, Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey
West Starters: Dončić, Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama
Harper’s East picks mirrored his colleagues, with Giannis’ dominance and Maxey’s consistency standing out. In the West, Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander were automatic choices. The controversial take? Dončić’s defensive struggles were overlooked in favor of his offensive brilliance. Harper’s final decision pitted Edwards against Devin Booker and Kawhi Leonard, with Edwards’ quiet yet stellar season winning out. Should defensive liabilities disqualify players from All-Star consideration, or is offensive firepower enough?
Now it’s your turn. Do these picks hit the mark, or did our writers miss the boat? Let us know in the comments—especially if you think LeBron deserves one last All-Star nod or if Wembanyama’s limited minutes should have kept him off the list. The debate is wide open!
