With the first NBA All-Star voting returns officially released, the early framework for the 2026 All-Star Game is coming into focus. While fan voting represents only part of the final selection process — with players, media, and coaches also influencing the outcome — these early numbers highlight which stars have momentum, visibility, and a realistic path to All-Star Weekend.
Using ESPN player statistics alongside the first-round fan voting results, here’s a streamlined projection of how the 2026 NBA All-Star rosters could look if selections were made today, balancing performance, popularity, and positional value.
⭐ Western Conference Outlook
The Western Conference is already separating into clear tiers. Established superstars dominate the top of the ballot, followed by elite veterans and emerging stars.
Projected West Starters
Luka Dončić (Lakers)
Fan Vote Rank: 1st (West)
Dončić leads the West in fan votes and continues to dominate statistically. He ranks 1st in PPG (33.3) and 4th in APG (8.8), accounting for over 50 points per game between scoring and assists. A virtual lock to start. 5x All-Star
Stephen Curry (Warriors)
Fan Vote Rank: 3rd
Still aging like fine wine in Year 17, Curry remains among league leaders in three-pointers made (141) while commanding unmatched offensive gravity. 11x All-Star
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Fan Vote Rank: 4th
An MVP frontrunner, SGA ranks 2nd in PPG (31.9) while leading the NBA’s top team as OKC looks to repeat as champions. His rise is reflected in both production and voting. 3x All-Star
Nikola Jokić (Nuggets)
Fan Vote Rank: 2nd
The three-time MVP remains the most impactful player in basketball, ranking top five in points, rebounds, and assists, including 1st in rebounds and assists. A guaranteed starter. 7x All-Star
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Fan Vote Rank: 5th
In just his third season, Wembanyama is already among league leaders in blocks and defensive impact, with steadily rising offensive usage. Popularity meets production. 1x All-Star
Projected West Reserves
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) – Explosive scoring wing and highlight machine (3x All-Star)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets) – Elite efficiency and consistent scoring (15x All-Star)
- LeBron James (Lakers) – Still producing across all categories (21x All-Star)
- Devin Booker (Suns) – One of the West’s most reliable scorers (4x All-Star)
- Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) – Stretch big who scores inside and out (1x All-Star)
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) – Two-way efficiency valued by coaches (6x All-Star)
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers) – Versatile contributor across scoring, rebounding, and playmaking (0x All-Star)
On the Bubble: James Harden, Jamal Murray, Zion Williamson
⭐ Eastern Conference Outlook
The Eastern Conference race is far more fluid, especially in the backcourt. While Giannis Antetokounmpo sits firmly atop the vote, several guards are battling closely behind him.
Projected East Starters
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Fan Vote Rank: 1st (East)
Giannis leads the East in fan voting and remains dominant across scoring, rebounding, and paint production. Automatic starter. 9x All-Star
Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
Fan Vote Rank: 2nd
Maxey’s superstar leap is translating into votes. He ranks near the top of the East in scoring while expanding his playmaking role. 1x All-Star
Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Fan Vote Rank: 3rd
Brunson’s efficiency, leadership, and clutch scoring have fueled New York’s success. 2x All-Star
Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
Fan Vote Rank: 4th
One of the season’s biggest risers, Cunningham ranks among East guards in assists while carrying a massive offensive load. Detroit’s conference-best record and strong fan support push him into the starting lineup. 1x All-Star
Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
Fan Vote Rank: 6th
A reliable two-way force on one of the East’s top teams, Brown remains firmly in the starter conversation. 4x All-Star
Projected East Reserve
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) – Elite scoring guard (6x All-Star)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) – Efficient scorer and rebounder (5x All-Star)
- Michael Porter Jr. (Nets) – Three-level scorer who can get hot quickly (1x All-Star)
- Norman Powell (Heat) – Career-high scoring season leading Miami’s push (0x All-Star)
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks) – Breakout year with elite athleticism (0x All-Star)
- Joel Embiid (76ers) – Dominant per-game production when available (7x All-Star)
- Franz Wagner (Magic) – Strong two-way impact and advanced metrics (0x All-Star)
On the Bubble: LaMelo Ball, Pascal Siakam, Brandon Ingram
🏁 Final Take
The first All-Star voting returns confirm what the numbers suggest:
Luka, Giannis, and Jokić remain untouchable, while Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanyama headline the league’s next wave of stars. As voting continues and coaches weigh in, expect movement — but if selections were made today, this projection reflects the clearest blend of fan momentum and on-court impact across both conferences.
