There will always be discussions after All-Star starters are announced in the NBA. The 2025-26 season is going to be prove to be the same as any season from the past.
With all of the talent in the modern game and only five spots to be selected, there will always be takes about what was correct and what was not. The 2026 All-Star starters were announced earlier today, with one notable missing name in the Eastern Conference.
The first five will be Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Three guards, and two forwards.
The first five in the Western Conference didn’t seem to ruffle any feathers. Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic.
The most glaring absence here is Donovan Mitchell. He has started a pair of All-Star Games since heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but was not selected this season.
Let’s get into it.
Donovan Mitchell Not Named All-Star Starter
As things currently stand (Jan 19 3:30 PM), the Cleveland Cavaliers are the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference. The 22-18 Sixers are the #6 seed. New York and Boston are two and three respectively. Detroit is #1. Milwaukee is #11.
All of that is stated for the sake of understanding where the All-Star’s teams are sitting. Entering into Monday’s game with OKC, Donovan Mitchell is currently averaging 29-5-6 while making 49% of his total attempts. He was named an All-Star starter a year ago while averaging just 24 points per game, with the same rebound and assist averages.
The only difference was that Cleveland had the best record in their conference, whereas they not sit fifth. However, despite a lower record, Philly’s Tyrese Maxey has averaged 30-4-7 while making 48% of his shots. He has been a tad better statistically.
Jalen Brunson has averaged 28 points and six assists per game for the #3 Knicks, who have only one more win than the Cavs. Record-wise, a lot of the teams have been the same.
The Bucks being #11 was never going to negatively impact Giannis Antetokounmpo’s chances. With production like he has and there being no other big man similarly dominant, it was hit spot to lose.
It was a toss-up which guards would be selected, and Detroit being the top seed certainly gave a big nod to Cade Cunningham. The rest, very much up to chance.
It is a surprise, certainly even still, to not see Mitchell on the list. He’ll likely still make his seventh All-Star appearance as a reserve.
Donovan Mitchell Playing At High Level
While he will not be an All-Star starter in 2026, Donovan Mitchell is still maintaining that high level of play. He has helped make teammates around him better, putting up 12 assists in a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 29.2 points per game he has averaged has been a career-high this season. With players missing games left and right throughout the year, he has been able to step up and play his game. The losses have piled up faster than a season ago, but he has done all he can to keep the team where they’re at.
When talking about Mitchell, it’s hard to ignore all the gravity he brings. While he will not be an All-Star starter this year, continuing to play at the level he has could still land him on the All-NBA 1st Team.
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