The starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game have been announced, and while there are some familiar faces, a few selections raised eyebrows. The new mini-tournament format promises an exciting showcase of the league’s brightest stars, but not everyone agrees with the starters chosen to represent each conference.
Surprises in the Starting Lineups
In the West, LeBron James, now in his 21st All-Star appearance, will reunite with fellow veterans Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. However, rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama was notably absent despite a stellar debut season. His snub in favor of Durant, whose Suns are struggling, was one of the biggest surprises.
The East starters featured another unexpected duo – the New York Knicks pairing of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. They’ll join perennial All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. While deserving, it was surprising to see a single team land two starting spots over other standout performers in the conference.
The Wembanyama What-If
Wembanyama’s absence from the starters was perhaps the most shocking development. The generational talent is putting up historic numbers for a rookie:
- 24.6 points per game
- League-leading 4.0 blocks per game
- 10.8 rebounds per game
- 3.8 assists per game
Those stats are All-Star worthy by any measure. His time will undoubtedly come, but many felt the torch should have been passed this year, even over established stars like Durant or Curry.
Notable Snubs and Close Calls
While Wembanyama had the strongest case as a starter snub, he wasn’t the only one who can feel slighted. LaMelo Ball has been stuffing the stat sheet all season for the Hornets:
- 29.0 points per game (4th in NBA)
- 7.5 assists per game
- 5.4 rebounds per game
Ball actually finished first in fan voting for East guards, but a poor showing in the media vote cost him a starting spot behind Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson. The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham also had a compelling case with his all-around play and team success.
Impending Reserve Battles
With the starters now locked in, attention shifts to the reserve selections, where things could get intriguing. Some names to watch:
- Jaren Jackson Jr. – Grizzlies forward putting up career numbers on a winning team
- De’Aaron Fox & Domantas Sabonis – Kings stars powering their team up the standings
- LaMelo Ball – Potential starter snub could still earn a spot
- Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Tyrese Haliburton, and more – Crowded field of deserving East guards
They’ve been there and done that for too many All-Star Games. So, let’s look at some of the younger players that will take this game more seriously.
– Michael C. Wright, ESPN
Ultimately, with so many deserving candidates and limited spots, there will inevitably be more tough snubs once the full rosters are announced. But one thing is certain – with its new format and blend of established and rising stars, the 2025 All-Star Game is shaping up to be an epic showcase of the NBA’s present and future.
