2025 All-Star Selections

The 2025 All-Star is fast approaching and is being held in San Francisco this year. The new gameplay will feature 3 teams of 8 players. Each conference will select 12 players to represent them. The fans, players, and media will select who starts the game. The fan vote will make up 50% of the weighted vote and the players and media will split the remaining 50% evenly to determine who the starters will be. The 14 reserve players will be selected by the 30 NBA head coaches. Should an injury occur to a player the commissioner, Adam Silver, will select a reserve to replace the injured player. 

Here’s how my list will go. The All-Star selection process is set up to have two starting guards and three forwards starting. The remaining 7 spots will be divided into two guards, three forwards, and two wild-card selections. I will tell you this is not how I will do the selection process for myself. I will pick, who I believe are the most deserving 12 players in each conference to be All-Stars. With that being said, let’s move to the list!

Eastern Conference Starters

• Donovan Mitchell - CLE - G

His case: Mitchell is the best player on the team with the best record in the NBA. He is the engine that makes the Cavalier's number 1 rated offense go and has very good counting numbers to back it up. He’s averaging 23.1 points per game, on 44.6% shooting from the field and 40.1% from 3. He’s poised to be an All-Star starter after having an impressive season so far. Mitchell is also averaging 4.5 assists, and rebounds to go along with his 23.1 points per game. 

• Jalen Brunson - NYK - G

His case: Starting next to Mitchell in the backcourt I would have Jalen Brunson from the Knicks. Brunson was named an All-Star in the last two seasons with the Knicks and this year will be no different. He is averaging 26 points per game on 48.4% shooting from the field and 38.9% from 3. He is also averaging a career-high 7.4 assists, and 3 rebounds a game. Brunson is the leader of the third-best offense in the NBA this year. 

• Jayson Tatum - BOS - F

His case: Jayson Tatum gets the starting nod for me in this All-Star game. The 27-year-old is having a fantastic season leading the Eastern Conference’s 2nd place team. His efficiency numbers are a tick down compared to years prior, but that hasn’t stopped him as he is averaging 27.7 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists this season. With the Celtics having the 4th best NBA record and Tatum putting up these types of numbers he makes an easy selection for the Eastern Conference starting 5. 

• Giannis Antetokounmpo - MIL - F

His case: Antetokounmpo is the easiest starter to select for the Eastern Conference. His counting numbers are great at 31.4 points per game, 11.9 rebounds per game, and 6 assists per game, all while playing excellent defense. He is also shooting 60.1% from the field, which is unprecedented for the amount of points he is averaging. He along with Tatum spearheads the Eastern Conference's hopes of having an MVP this year. The 4th place Bucks were also NBA Cup Champions and Antetokounmpo was named MVP of the tournament. 

• Karl Anthony-Towns - NYK - C-F

His case: The 5th and final starter for me is Karl Anthony-Towns. Towns is in the midst of one of the most efficient seasons in his career and along with Jalen Brunson has transformed the Knick's offense. The counting numbers are very good at  25.4 points per game and 13.9 rebounds per game. He’s shooting 55% from the field and 44.9% from 3. Towns has made a recent push at the MVP with his play recently. However, he has also been battling injury as well. 

Eastern Conference Reserves

• Trae Young - ATL - G

His case: Young is leading the NBA in assists per game this year at 11.8 earning him a nob from me. His efficiency and shooting numbers aren’t great but it’s hard to argue with 23.2 points per game and 11.8 assists. The Hawks are also 6th in the East with a 22-19 record. Young has also improved on the defensive end of the floor as well with his rotations and effort. 

• Cade Cunningham - DET - G

His case: Cunningham is leading the best story in the NBA right now in the Detroit Pistons, who are 21-21 after winning 16 games last season and being 3-36 at one point. Cunningham is in the running for most improved player with counting numbers of 24.3 points per game, 9.4 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game. Cunningham also has 7 triple-doubles this year. He would earn his first All-Star appearance in my book. 

• Tyrese Maxey - PHI - G

His case: The 76ers as a whole have been a hard watch this year, but I am not going to ignore what Tyrese Maxey has done this year. He’s averaging 26.1 points per game and 5.8 assists. The efficiency numbers are down compared to last year. However, once you earn your first All-Star you’ve earned the right to get in with some lesser numbers in my opinion. Maxey will make his second All-Star in my eyes. 

• Damian Lillard - MIL - G

His case: After having a down year last year. Lillard is back to being a three-point sniper and scorer for the Bucks. He is averaging 25 points per game, 7.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 45.3% from the field and 39.3% from three. His scoring ability next to Antetokounmpo has the Bucks 4th in the East and earns Lillard another All-Star appearance. 

• Darius Garland - CLE - G

His case: Garland earns his second All-Star appearance for me. He’s another essential part of the Cavaliers' vaunted offense and is one of the leaders for Clutch Player of the Year with his stats in those games. He’s averaging 21.2 points per game and 6.8 assists. He is the closest player to being the exquisite 50/40/90 club with his shooting averages of 49.9% from the field, 42.4% from 3, and 90.7% from the free throw line.  

• Evan Mobley - CLE - F-C

His Case: The Cavaliers will get three players in the All-Star game this year for me. I think rewarding winning for important for the All-Star game and Mobley has helped Cleveland do just that. He is averaging 18.6 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 1 steal, and 1.4 blocks a game. He is the Cavalier's best defensive player and is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. 

• Jaylen Brown - BOS - F

His case: Brown’s efficiency is a little down this year along with Tatum for the Celtics, but he is still a very good player and defender for the Celtics. He is averaging 23.3 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, and 5 assists. He is also averaging 1.3 steals a game too. His shooting numbers of 44.9% from the field and 32% from 3 are low for him, but his value and play for the Celtics have still been good. 

Just missed

• LaMelo Ball - CHA - G

Reason why. Ball was the 13th player for me, ultimately I don’t think a team with a record of 10-28 deserves to have an All-Star as I stated I will value winning over counting numbers. Ball averages 29.5 points per game, which would be the most for a player not named an All-Star, however, he does shoot the ball 24 times a game, and is shooting 42% from the field and 33% from 3. 

• Zach LaVine - CHI - G

Reason why. I decided to leave LaVine off my All-Star team this year partly due to rewarding Mobley and Garland for the Cavaliers and I think Tyler Herro has earned his first All-Star appearance as well. LaVine’s numbers are very good at 23.6 points per game and an absurd 51.4% from the field and 45.6% from 3. Another tough decision for me. 

• Jalen Johnson - ATL - G

Reason why. Johnson will make an All-Star game in the future, but it won’t be this year. Ultimately I think the Hawks only deserved one All-Star and I chose Trae Young over Johnson. I don’t think the counting numbers are as daunting, but if they were he would’ve gotten more consideration for me. 

• Tyler Herro - MIA - G

His case: The Miami guard is averaging 24.2 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 5 assists as well. He’s shooting a career-high in 3-point percentage and attempted threes as well. However, I do not think it is enough to get into the All-Star game. The Heat being 21-21 hurt his case a little bit, but I’m more of the essence of truly earning your first All-Star game. Not a knock against Herro as he is having a great season. 

What I believe will happen. 

I am only adding in this section to see the difference for everyone if I were to follow the 4 guards, 6 forwards, and 2 wild card selections this year. I believe Pascal Siakam would get in over Trae Young or Darius Garland or you could see Jared Allen get a nob. For the players I have selected above, I have 7 guards and 5 forwards selected. I also did not include Joel Embiid, Paul George, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner for games missed. Leaving out Ball was probably the hardest decision, but he is the leading vote-getter for the Eastern Conference guards giving him a chance to earn a starter or reserve spot. 

Western Conference Starters

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - OKC - G

His case: I believe Gilgeous-Alexander will be one of the two unanimous selections for the Western Conference starters. Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP favorite right now and has the numbers and team performance to back it up. He’s averaging a league-leading 31.6 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1.1 blocks a game. He’s also shooting 53.1% from the field and 35.2% from 3. Gilgeous-Alexander is the leading vote-getter for the guards as well. 

• Steph Curry - GSW - G

His case: Probably one of the more controversial selections on this list will be Curry, but there’s a simple reason behind it, the All-Star is taking place in San Francisco. Steph Curry will be starting. Curry is averaging 23 points per game, 5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. He is also shooting 45% from the field, 41.1% from 3, and 93.8% from the free throw line. Argue with ya Mama. 

• Lebron James - LAL - F

His case: It’s Lebron Freaking James, of course, he’s going to start in the All-Star game. Even in year 22 James is still dominating with 23.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. He is also shooting 51.6% from the field and 40.2% from 3. The Lakers are also 6th in the Western Conference as well. 

• Kevin Durant - PHX - F

His case: I will always reward the greats of this game if they are playing at a high level and Durant would get my nob next to the previous two all-time greats listed. The counting numbers will help him as he is averaging 27.4 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks a game. The Suns being 11th isn’t ideal, but with Durant in the lineup early on he was willing the Suns to a 9-2 record to start the season. 

• Nikola Jokic - DEN - C

His case: The reigning MVP will complete the Western Conference starting 5 for me. Jokic has the best counting numbers in the entire NBA with him averaging 30.4 points per game, 13.1 rebounds per game, 9.9 assists per game, and 1.8 steals a game. He has shooting numbers of 55.8% from the field and 47.1% from 3. Enough said. 

Western Conference Reserves. 

• Victor Wembanyama - SAS - C-F

His case: There’s a good chance Wembanyama could start over on of Durant or James, but for now he’ll be a reserve. The Spurs forward is having an incredible season so far and is the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year. He is one of the most feared players in the NBA with his ability to dominate both ends of the floor. His counting numbers are 24.5 points per game, 10.8 rebounds per game, and 4.1 blocks per game. He earns what feels like the first of many All-Star game selections for me. 

• Anthony Edwards - MIN - G

His case: Edwards is having a “down” year by his standards, but he’s still as feared as he was in the postseason. Teams are doubling him more and the 2-point percentage is down for him, but he’s still having a great year. He is averaging 26.1 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, and 4.3 assists per game. He is also shooting 44.4% from the field and a career-high 42.9% from 3 on 10 attempts a game. 

• Anthony Davis - LAL - C

His case: Davis has been the best player on the Lakers this year and it’s not close. He’s averaging 25.8 points per game, 11.9 rebounds per game, 1.3 steals per game, and 2.1 blocks a game. He’s been dominant on both ends of the floor this year and is one of the reasons why the Lakers are 6th in the NBA. Davis made an early charge at MVP before slumping, but he’s a sure-fire All-Star this year. 

• Domantas Sabonis - SAC - C

His case: Sabonis has been the unfortunate cut in past seasons, but he gets in for me this year. After leading the NBA in double-doubles last year and he’s continued that this year. Counting numbers of 20.6 points per game, 14.1 rebounds a game, and 6.3 assists per game makes it hard to deny him. He’s also shooting 60% from the field and 47.8% from 3 this year. Kings are currently in 9th place in the Western Conference. 

• Jaren Jackson Jr. - MEM - F-C

His case: Jackson Jr. has returned to the defensive prowess he showed during his Defensive Player of the Year winning season a couple of years ago, but he’s also expanded the offense. The counting numbers of 22.6 points per game, 6.3 rebounds a game, 1.5 steals, and 1.7 blocks a game along with Memphis being the 3rd seed in the Western Conference helps his case tremendously. Ja Morant also has already missed 18 games this year making it hard for him to be the Memphis selection. He earns another All-Star appearance. 

• Kyrie Irving  - DAL - G

His case: Irving is having a stellar year so far this season and doing it efficiently. His counting numbers put him at 24.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 5 assists per game.  He doing this on 48.3% from the floor, 42.7% from 3, and 90.3% from the free throw line. Dallas being 9th in the West isn't a great case, but Irving's efficiency, team record when he's on the floor, and his performances without Luka Doncic in the lineup earn a spot for me. He's been excellent so far this year. 

• Devin Booker - PHX - G

His case: Booker has all the counting numbers needed with him averaging 25.8 points per game, 6.7 assists, and 1.2 steals a game and his recent hot streak of 5 straight 30+ point outings has helped him even after a slow start by his standards. The Suns have been treading water ever since their hot start, however similar to Maxey, Booker has earned his way into the All-Star game for me. 

Just Missed

• Alperen Sengun - HOU - F

Reason why: Sengun unfortunately just missed the cut for me in what was probably the hardest decision on this list. His counting numbers aren’t amazing with him averaging 19.4 points per game, 10.5 rebounds a game, and 5.1 assists per game, The Rockets will be without an All-Star for me partly because it has been by committee this year for them. Both he and Green have taken turns being the focal point of the offense with neither putting up eye-popping numbers. The finishing around the basket this year is down as well. Still pains me to leave him off the ballot. He’s got a future selection. 

• Jalen Williams - OKC - G-F

Reason Why: The Thunder are 34-7 this year, but Jalen Williams will not make the cut for me. The efficiency being a tick down, hard to say that when he's been hyper efficient his entire career. It's also noticeable for me in the non-Shai minutes, given that Williams in the one who is handling the Thunder aren't as good. Don't get me wrong he makes a ton of winning plays on both sides of the ball, but the counting numbers need to take a little leap for me to include him. He’s averaging 20.6 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, 5.2 assists, per game, and 1.8 steals per game. He's shooting 47.5% from the field, 33.8% from 3, and 78.5% from the foul line. I am confident Williams will earn his eventually All-Star bid in the near future. 

• De’Aaron Fox - SAC - G

Reason why: Fox has great counting numbers averaging 26.3 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game. What hurts Fox is the All-Star game being in San Francisco. Maybe in other years, Curry wouldn’t be a selected All-Star however, you have to reward the All-time great with the nob in his franchise’s city. I also think Sabonis has been a little bit better than him this year as well. Fox’s hot start to the season has seen him cool down a little bit and he’s even missed some time as well.  

• Norman Powell - LAC - G

Reason why: Powell has been fantastic this season, however, the counting numbers aren’t enough for me. I understand his team is 5th in the West, however, averaging 23.7 points a game, and only 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists doesn’t move the needle enough to earn an All-Star nod from me. He’s been fantastic so far this season. The efficiency from 3 is something that pops, but overall just scoring at an average clip compared to the rest on this list is the reason why it’s hard to crack.  

What I think will happen.

The Western Conference is generally a little bit harder to select as it has some of the league’s best players, both new and old, in its Conference. Having to select only 12 players makes it incredibly challenging and it’s the same as splitting hairs at this point. For the Western Conference, I have 7 forwards and 5  guards meaning I do meet the requirements for the All-Star voting. Using the 2 wild card spots for the one  guards as a reserve and same thing with the forwards. I did not include Ja Morant or Luka Doncic on this due to games missed. I can see some arguments for why Williams or Sengun could get in based on team record, but I am of the beliefs you need to truly earn your first All-Star selection, before getting the benefit of the doubt. 

Hope you guys enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment below!