Overview
- Victor Wembanyama was announced among the ten All-Star starters, becoming the first French player ever selected to start the event.
- He earned the spot through the NBA’s combined vote of fans (50%), players (25%) and media (25%).
- This year’s All-Star will debut a mini-tournament with three eight-player teams featuring a U.S.-vs.-World format, pool play and 12-minute games, with “starter” and “reserve” largely honorific.
- Under the format, Wembanyama is set to join the international group alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the event set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
- Wembanyama’s selection caps a strong season after earlier absences for calf and knee issues, highlighted by a 33-point night against Utah as the Spurs notched their 30th win to remain second in the West; coach Mitch Johnson called the starter nod a major achievement.