The NBA has officially unveiled its 2026 All-Star reserves, and as always, the selections sparked plenty of conversation - and a few raised eyebrows. Announced just ahead of the Knicks-Lakers showdown, the reserves round out the full All-Star rosters, joining the ten starters named earlier in January. This year’s list features a mix of familiar faces and exciting first-timers, with several players earning long-overdue recognition for standout seasons.
Eastern Conference Reserves: New Blood and Frontcourt Firepower
The East’s bench is headlined by three first-time All-Stars: Johnson, Powell, and Duren - each carving out their own lane in a competitive conference.
Powell, in his first season with Miami, has been a revelation. Averaging a career-high 23.0 points per game, he’s stepped into a lead scoring role with confidence and consistency, giving the Heat a much-needed offensive engine. His ability to create off the dribble and hit from outside has added a new dimension to Miami’s offense.
Then there’s Johnson, who’s emerged as one of the league’s most versatile point forwards. His stat line - 23.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game - tells the story of a player doing a little bit of everything.
He’s shooting 36.0% from deep, keeping defenses honest and helping space the floor for his teammates. Johnson’s ability to control the pace and impact the game on both ends has made him a matchup nightmare.
Duren, meanwhile, is putting up 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for a Pistons team that’s shocked many by sitting atop the East. He’s not just cleaning the glass - he’s the second-leading scorer on that squad, providing a reliable interior presence and showing flashes of dominance in the paint.
Karl-Anthony Towns returns to the All-Star stage, even in what’s been a less efficient year by his standards. But while the shooting numbers are down a bit, he’s still leading the league in rebounds at 11.8 per game and scoring 20.0 points a night while hitting 36.4% from three. His all-around game and versatility keep him in the mix, and he’ll join Jalen Brunson, a starter for the second straight year, as the Knicks get two players into the showcase.
Cade Cunningham and Duren give Detroit a pair of All-Stars - a sign that the Pistons’ rebuild might be turning the corner faster than expected.
Western Conference Reserves: Breakouts, Stability, and a Living Legend
Out West, three more first-time All-Stars break through: Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, and Deni Avdija - each with a unique story fueling their rise.
Let’s start with Murray, who for years was labeled one of the best players to never make an All-Star team. That changes now.
He’s averaging 25.8 points and 7.4 assists per game, stepping up in a big way for a Nuggets team that’s stayed near the top of the West despite missing Nikola Jokic for 16 games. Murray’s blend of shot-making and playmaking has been crucial, and this nod is well-earned.
Avdija has been one of the league’s biggest surprises. After averaging 16.9 points last season, he’s jumped to 25.5 points per game while also contributing 7.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. He’s been the engine behind a Blazers team that currently holds a play-in spot, and his growth as a scorer and facilitator has been one of the season’s best storylines.
Holmgren, despite cooling off a bit from his early-season surge, has been a defensive anchor for Oklahoma City. He’s putting up 17.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, holding things down in the paint while Isaiah Hartenstein missed extended time with a calf injury. Holmgren’s timing, length, and instincts have helped OKC build one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
Devin Booker returns to the All-Star Game after leading the Suns to a 30-19 record. Phoenix has been one of the West’s overachievers, and Booker’s steady scoring and leadership have played a major role. The Suns are currently just behind the Lakers for the No. 6 seed, and Booker’s ability to keep the team afloat through injuries and lineup changes has been vital.
And then there’s LeBron James, who was named to his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game. That number alone is staggering.
While he’s not putting up his peak numbers, his 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game are still more than solid - especially considering the mileage on his body. The Lakers are 29-18 heading into their matchup with the Knicks, and LeBron remains the heartbeat of the team.
Multiple-Team Representation and Notable Snubs
Five teams - the Lakers, Knicks, Thunder, Pistons, and Nuggets - will send multiple players to the All-Star festivities, a testament to both top-end talent and strong team performances.
But as always, a few big names were left on the outside looking in. Among the notable snubs: Michael Porter Jr., Kawhi Leonard, Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Lauri Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, and Alperen Sengun. Any of these players could be next in line if injuries open up a spot.
USA vs. World Twist Adds Roster Intrigue
This year’s All-Star Game will once again feature a USA vs. World format, and that adds another layer to roster construction.
The league requires at least eight international players, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, the NBA will need to make a decision on players like Towns (who plays for the Dominican Republic) and Powell (who suited up for Jamaica last summer). Both could be counted as international players, depending on how the league chooses to classify them.
As it stands, the World roster already includes Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Deni Avdija, Jamal Murray, and Pascal Siakam - a formidable group with serious star power.
The NBA is expected to announce the final roster breakdowns on Tuesday, which will clarify who’s playing for which side - and who might be stepping in as an injury replacement.
Final Thoughts
This year’s All-Star reserves reflect the evolving landscape of the league - a blend of rising stars, steady veterans, and international flavor. With first-time appearances from players like Johnson, Powell, Duren, Avdija, Murray, and Holmgren, the game is in good hands. And with legends like LeBron still in the mix, the 2026 All-Star Game promises to be a showcase of both the present and the future of the NBA.