The NBA has officially unveiled its 2026 All-Star Game starters, and once again, the Kentucky pipeline is alive and thriving. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey - two former Wildcats who’ve blossomed into full-blown stars - headline this year’s list, earning starting nods for what promises to be a very different kind of All-Star showcase.
Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup, this year’s All-Star format shakes things up.
The league is rolling out a three-team, round-robin tournament, featuring two squads made up of U.S.-born players and one team of international stars. Each team will play two 12-minute games.
It’s a bold twist, and it adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already star-studded weekend in Los Angeles on February 15.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Maxey: From Lexington to All-Star Stardom
Let’s start with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s been nothing short of elite since winning league MVP and leading the Thunder to a championship last season. His encore performance? Just as impressive - if not more so.
Through 41 games, SGA is averaging 31.8 points, 6.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while playing just 33.3 minutes per game - the fewest since his rookie year. Efficiency?
Off the charts. He’s hitting 54.7% from the field (a career-best), 39.6% from three, and 89% from the line.
And he’s doing it all while keeping Oklahoma City near the top of the Western Conference, even after a slight dip following their blistering 24-1 start. At 35-8, the Thunder are still a force, and SGA remains the engine.
He’ll suit up for Team World as a native of Canada, and this marks his fourth All-Star appearance. At 27, he’s not just in the MVP conversation - he’s leading it.
Then there’s Tyrese Maxey, who’s taken another leap in Philadelphia. With Joel Embiid and Paul George alongside him, Maxey has still managed to shine as the Sixers’ clear-cut star.
He’s averaging career-highs across the board: 30.3 points, 6.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. His shooting splits - 47.4% from the field, 40.2% from deep, and 87.8% from the stripe - show just how efficient he’s become as a scorer and playmaker.
At just 25, Maxey is already making his second All-Star appearance, and it feels like he’s only scratching the surface. Philly currently sits sixth in the East at 22-18, and Maxey’s emergence is a big reason why they’re still in the mix.
The Full List of 2026 All-Star Starters
Here’s who will join Maxey and Gilgeous-Alexander under the bright lights in L.A.:
Eastern Conference Starters
- Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks
- Jaylen Brown | Boston Celtics
- Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks
- Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons
- Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers
Western Conference Starters
- Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors
- Luka Dončić | Los Angeles Lakers
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder
- Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets
- Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs
It’s a mix of established legends and rising superstars, and the new format should only amplify the excitement. With Curry still dazzling, Wembanyama already living up to the hype, and Luka thriving in L.A., the West is stacked. Meanwhile, the East boasts a compelling blend of power and poise, from Giannis’ dominance to Cade Cunningham’s breakout.
More Wildcats Could Be on the Way
Don’t be surprised if more Kentucky alums join the party. Jamal Murray (Denver), Anthony Davis (Dallas), Devin Booker (Phoenix), and Karl-Anthony Towns (New York) were all among the top 40 in All-Star voting. Murray, in particular, seems poised for a breakthrough - and a possible first All-Star nod.
For now, though, it’s SGA and Maxey carrying the Big Blue banner into All-Star weekend. From college teammates to NBA headliners, their journeys have been nothing short of remarkable - and they’re still just getting started.