Overview
- NBA starters were announced January 19 for the February 15 event at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, marking Wembanyama’s second All-Star selection and first start.
- Wembanyama joins Western selections Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry, with Eastern starters including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown.
- The starter vote combined fans (50%), players (25%) and a media panel (25%), with reserves to be named by coaches.
- The revamped format features three eight-player teams in a World-versus-USA setup, with 12-minute games, a group stage and a final, and potential commissioner add-ins if roster numbers require.
- Despite missing 14 games for calf and knee issues after last season’s thrombosis, Wembanyama is averaging about 24.5 points and 10.9 rebounds in reduced minutes as the Spurs sit second in the West at 29–13.