The Three Biggest 2026 NBA All-Star Starter Snubs

Nick Pedone|published: Tue 20th January, 15:41 2026

Nov 10, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

To the dismay of many basketball fans, the NBA All-Star Game is right around the corner.

The All-Star Weekend isn’t what it used to be, as players don’t really care in the game that’s played on Sunday. Prior, the Slam Dunk Contest has completely lost its luster, as superstar players don’t compete. Not to mention, the dunks lack creativity, as there’s only a finite amount of ways to put a round ball in a 10-foot hole.

Yet still, being an NBA All-Star – and a starting player in the All-Star Game – still carries major water.

It’s prestigious to be named a starter, like San Antonio Spurs alien Victor Webanyama, who received the honor for the first time this season.

Let’s power rank the three most egregious snubs this season.

3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards is averaging just a tick under 30 points per game in his sixth season with the Timberwolves.

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic all deserve to be starters.

However, Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry is averaging less points per game than Edwards.

Now, maybe the NBA is tipping their cap to Curry, who revolutionized the sport. But then how isn’t LeBron James a starter? More on that later.

Edwards has the Timberwolves as the No. 4 seed in a crowded Western Conference.

The Warriors? They’re down as the No. 8 seed, fighting for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

2. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Jan 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Cavaliers have had an ugly start to their season, currently the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.

But Mitchell has been the lone bright spot on a roster that has been decimated with injuries.

Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have all missed extended time.

Spida is averaging 29 points per game, shooting 48 percent from the field. In 40 games, he’s single handedly keeping the Cavaliers afloat in a season where the Eastern Conference Finals were the expectation. While the Eastern Conference will have a few fresh faces, Mitchell's snub is notable because he's playing at an MVP level.

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Nov 27, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after a Philadelphia 76ers foul during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

For the first time in his legendary 23-year career, James will not be starting in the All-Star Game.

He’s only played in 24 games for the Lakers, as he missed the start of the season with sciatica.

But here’s the gripe.

Everyone will spend the entire NBA All-Star Weekend belly aching about how it’s not what it used to be. So why not spend a little bit more time celebrating one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport if the weekend is meaningless now anyways?

Missing one or two All-Star starts at the end of his legendary career will not be remembered.

But if Curry has the opportunity to start in the NBA All-Star Game during a season where the Warriors might not even make the NBA postseason, James deserved an honorary nod.

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