The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is shaking things up—again. But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of the traditional East vs. West format, it’s now a round-robin tournament featuring two U.S. teams and one international squad. Bold move, right? And this is the part most people miss: the starters are still being chosen by fans, players, and media, but positions no longer matter. That’s right—no more guards, forwards, or centers. Just the best of the best, regardless of role. But does this make the selection process fairer, or does it muddy the waters? Let’s dive in.
The starters will be revealed Monday on NBC/Peacock, but before that, three of The Athletic’s NBA writers—Josh Robbins, William Guillory, and Zach Harper—shared their ballots and the reasoning behind their picks. Spoiler alert: there’s plenty to debate. Agree or disagree? Let’s break it down and then hear your thoughts in the comments.
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’ philosophy? He prioritizes players who drive winning. But here’s the twist: he doesn’t just look at stats—he rewards players whose teams are atop the standings and who make a defensive impact. For the East, Cunningham was a no-brainer as the leader of the conference’s top team. Brown’s two-way dominance and Brunson’s leadership in the Knicks’ NBA Cup win sealed their spots. Antetokounmpo and Maxey rounded out the list, with Robbins noting Maxey’s consistency and Giannis’s two-way play despite the Bucks’ struggles.
In the West, Robbins went with the best players on the top five teams. Even though Jokić and Wembanyama missed games, their dominance when on the court was undeniable. Controversial omission: LeBron James. While Robbins acknowledges his legendary status, he believes voters should focus solely on this season’s performance. Fair call, or disrespect to a legend? You decide.
Ballot No. 2: William Guillory
East Starters: Antetokounmpo, Brown, Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey
West Starters: Dončić, Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama
Guillory’s picks were almost identical, but his reasoning adds a layer of nuance. He calls Cunningham’s MVP-caliber season and Brown’s All-NBA-level play “obvious” choices. But here’s where it gets interesting: he left Donovan Mitchell off his ballot, citing Cleveland’s underwhelming performance. Harsh, or justified? In the West, Wembanyama’s limited minutes (fewer than 800 by voting’s end) were a concern, but Guillory gave him the benefit of the doubt, just as he did for Giannis. His toughest call? Edwards over Kevin Durant. Edwards’ counting stats edged out Durant’s efficiency and leadership. Agree?
Ballot No. 3: Zach Harper
East Starters: Antetokounmpo, Brown, Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey
West Starters: Dončić, Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama
Harper’s take? The East was a slam dunk. Giannis’s dominance, Maxey’s breakout, and Cunningham’s Pistons resurgence were no-brainers. But here’s the kicker: he penalized Mitchell for Cleveland’s lack of success. In the West, Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander were automatic picks, but Harper acknowledged Dončić’s offensive brilliance despite defensive struggles. His final debate? Edwards over Devin Booker and Kawhi Leonard. Booker wasn’t quite at Edwards’ level, and Leonard’s limited games sealed his fate.
Final Thoughts: The positionless format has made the All-Star selection more flexible, but it’s also opened the door for debate. Should players be judged solely on individual performance, or does team success matter? And is it fair to penalize stars like Wembanyama or Giannis for missed games? Here’s the real question: As the NBA evolves, should the All-Star Game prioritize entertainment, competition, or legacy? Let us know your take in the comments—this is one conversation that’s just getting started.
