Breaking News:
Oh well, looks like Oklahoma City’s luck has begun to run out! According to Sports Illustrated, All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has suffered an abdominal strain on February third’s game and is expected to miss out on the All-Star Game and on Monday’s game against the Lakers. Alperen Sengun will be filling in the Team World roster spot for the All-Star game, giving the Houston Rockets two All-Stars in the game.
Dunk Contest:
“Mac McClung! Mac McClung! Mac McClung!” For the past three years, the reason that most NBA fans watched the Dunk Contest was for the G-League phenom’s new take on any and all dunks. Well, let’s hold a moment of silence for the Dunk Contest, since McClung has announced that he will not be competing in the 2026 Contest.
In his place will be the Spurs’ rookie Carter Bryant facing off against Jaxon Hayes, Jase Richardson, and Keshad Johnson. Now, I know what you all have been thinking, who ARE these players? To be honest with you, I had no idea who Richardson or Johnson were before seeing that they were going to be in the contest. As for Bryant and Hayes, one is a rookie and the other is a backup center for the Lakers, so I don’t blame you if you don’t know them.
3-Point Contest:
Do y’all remember the three point contest? No? Me neither. The last three point contest that any of us cared about was in 2021, which was when Stephen Curry last competed. This year, however, you may want to tune in. Don’t believe me? Just look at this roster:
According to ESPN, Damian Lillard is making an appearance in the contest, despite still being in recovery for a torn Achilles. What’s even more unique about Lillard’s case, however, is that his shooting percentage this season is 0%, since he has not played on an NBA court since joining the Blazers.
Other than Lillard’s completely unexpected appearance, the contest will also include Devin Booker, Kon Kneuppel, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis, and Norman Powell. Personally, I am really excited about the rookie Kneuppel, especially with how hot he has been from three. With his shooting on the roster, the Charlotte Hornets gained a nine game-winning streak, their longest streak in the 21st century. On the other hand, one of the most surprising picks for this year’s contest is Portis, especially since he is a forward. While his shooting percentage this year is 45%, I do have doubts about his efficiency, since he only makes roughly two threes a game, which is not even close to other players on this list.
New Format:
So, some of you may be wondering, how will the All-Star game work if the draft is East vs West, but the game is two U.S. teams against one World Team? Well, I’m glad you asked! According to ESPN, the plan for the teams is to have 24 total all stars, with eight players on each team. If too many international or US players are chosen, then NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will pick a player to join the game, which is how Kawhi Leonard joined the ranks of team USA.
As for the game itself, it will be hosted in a round robin format throughout four 12 minute quarters, with the last quarter being for the two finalists. In the tournament, each team will play a total of two games, with the two best records advancing to the “finals”.
Who do I think will win this tournament? Well, it really depends on how energetic each of the teams decides to be, with the highest energy, in my opinion, coming from Team World. All of this is mainly because of VICTOR WEMBENYAMA, who has brought some refreshment to the stagnant tournament. Also, come on. Just look at team world’s roster and tell me with a straight face that EITHER of the USA teams can beat Wembenyama, Jokić, Dončić, Antentounkoumpo, and the plethora of elite second options that they have. In all honesty, it’s safe to say that this game will be a bloodbath.
Conclusion
Every year, we expect better from the All-Star game. However, we are almost always disappointed by unenthusiastic play, injured players, and well over 100 point games. This year, however, I believe things are going to be different. USA players will be inspired to actually try in the game, since if they lose to the international players, it will lead to bad impressions for the 2028 Olympics. Overall, let’s tune in one more time, see if this format will really save the All-Star weekend.
