Trending Discussions: Selecting Reserves for the Eastern Conference All-Stars
As we look ahead to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the question on everyone’s mind is: which players will earn a coveted spot as reserves? A panel of experts from the league has weighed in with their predictions.
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Who do you think deserves an All-Star reserve position from the Eastern Conference?
Editor’s Note: The official announcement of the All-Star reserves is set for Sunday, February 1, at 6 p.m. ET, airing on NBC and Peacock.
Steve Aschburner’s Selections:
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
- Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
- Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Most Challenging Decision: The most difficult choice for me was Josh Giddey. Traditionally, I don't subscribe to the notion that All-Star selections should be based solely on a player's team performance. That’s what the regular season and playoffs are for. Take Pascal Siakam, for instance—a proven talent who showcased his skills just seven months ago in the NBA Finals, yet he finds himself in a challenging situation this season with the Pacers. Giddey has been somewhat overlooked due to a hamstring injury, but his impressive averages nearing a triple-double (19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9 assists per game) highlight his deserving case for this honor—assuming he regains full health by mid-February (https://www.nba.com/news/josh-giddey-nearing-return).
Brian Martin’s Picks:
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
- Norman Powell, Miami Heat
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Most Challenging Decision: My final selection boiled down to several candidates, many of whom play for teams struggling this season or have endured significant injuries, or both. In the end, I chose Michael Porter Jr. over Josh Giddey, who has been sidelined since December 29 despite outstanding stats (almost averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists), and Pascal Siakam, who is putting up solid numbers for a last-place team. Although the Nets sit 13th in the East, Porter has been pivotal for their offense, achieving career-best statistics of 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while being the focal point for opposing defenses.
Shaun Powell’s Selections:
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
- Norman Powell, Miami Heat
- Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
- Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Most Challenging Decision: I risk being branded as critical or disrespectful, but I found it very challenging to leave Jalen Duren of the Pistons off my list. For one, he’s consistently achieving double-doubles. Furthermore, if selected, he would be one of the few representatives from Detroit alongside Cade Cunningham. However, it’s essential to note that All-Star spots aren’t strictly awarded based on team performance—that’s reserved for major accolades. Giddey has matched Duren's double-double count and has excelled, while Porter and Powell also merit recognition for their performances. If anyone were to be considered a borderline selection on my list, it would likely be Towns.
John Schuhmann’s Picks:
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
- Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
- Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Most Challenging Decision: This entire selection process became particularly complex after I locked in Barnes, Duren, Johnson, and Mitchell. Towns and White have demonstrated impressive team success, with Towns shining offensively and White excelling defensively. Despite the challenges surrounding him, Porter’s performance has been remarkable in terms of both efficiency and productivity. Meanwhile, Barnes has been contributing significantly to a fourth-place team in the conference, even if his three-point shooting has been lacking. Notably, the decisions to exclude players like Norman Powell, Pascal Siakam, and Franz Wagner were among the toughest calls.
