NBA Announces All-Star Reserves as Wembanyama Joins List \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has been named an NBA All-Star for the first time, joining 13 other reserves selected for the Feb. 16 game in San Francisco. Wembanyama becomes just the fourth Spurs player in history to earn an All-Star nod within his first two seasons, joining David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Alvin Robertson. The NBA has also unveiled a new All-Star Game format, featuring three teams and a four-team tournament designed to improve competition. Several big names—including Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Devin Booker—were left off the roster but could still be named as injury replacements.
Quick Looks
- Victor Wembanyama earns his first NBA All-Star selection, becoming just the fourth Spurs player to make the team in his first two seasons.
- The NBA unveils a brand-new All-Star Game format, featuring three teams and a four-team tournament, replacing the traditional East vs. West matchup.
- The 24 All-Stars will be drafted into three teams by Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith on February 6.
- Wembanyama joins six first-time All-Stars, including Cade Cunningham, Tyler Herro, Evan Mobley, Alperen Sengun, and Jalen Williams.
- Major snubs include Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Devin Booker, and Tyrese Haliburton, though injury replacements could be named later.
- The new All-Star format aims to increase competition, with shorter, fast-paced games where the first team to 40 points wins each matchup.
- The 2024 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 16 in San Francisco, with hopes of avoiding the lackluster defense seen in last year’s record-breaking 211-186 scoreline.
Deep Look
San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama has officially been named an NBA All-Star in his debut season, solidifying his place among the league’s elite talents. The 20-year-old French phenom, who has dazzled fans with his unprecedented blend of size, skill, and athleticism, was one of 14 reserves selected by NBA coaches for the upcoming 2024 NBA All-Star Game on February 16 in San Francisco.
Wembanyama’s selection places him in elite company, as he becomes just the fourth player in Spurs history to make the All-Star team within his first two seasons, joining legendary big men David Robinson (1990, 1991), Tim Duncan (1998), and Alvin Robertson (1986).
His dominance has been impossible to ignore. The 7-foot-4 center, with a wingspan over 8 feet, has taken the league by storm, delivering highlight-reel plays on both ends of the court and redefining what’s possible for a player of his stature. He is currently averaging over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 3 blocks per game, ranking among the top shot-blockers in the NBA while displaying the ball-handling and shooting ability of a guard.
“It’s just a testament to his first year and a half in this league,” said acting Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson when asked about Wembanyama’s All-Star potential during last week’s NBA Paris Game.
“He put in the work, trusted the process, and now his talent and unique skill set are shining through.”
Despite the San Antonio Spurs’ struggles this season, Wembanyama has been a bright spot and remains the franchise’s cornerstone for the future. His selection by the league’s coaches confirms that his impact is undeniable, even in a crowded Western Conference filled with star talent.
Complete 2024 NBA All-Star Rosters Announced
The NBA’s head coaches selected seven reserve players from each conference, joining the 10 starters who were announced last week.
Among the first-time All-Stars, in addition to Wembanyama, are Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Miami’s Tyler Herro, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, Houston’s Alperen Sengun, and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams.
The Western Conference reserves include Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, the Lakers’ Anthony Davis, the Clippers’ James Harden, Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Houston’s Alperen Sengun, Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams, and Wembanyama.
The Eastern Conference reserves feature Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, Cleveland’s Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard, and Miami’s Tyler Herro.
These players will join the 10 All-Star starters, a group headlined by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum. LeBron’s selection marks his record-extending 21st consecutive All-Star appearance, an achievement unmatched in league history.
NBA Overhauls All-Star Format for 2024
In an effort to increase competition and excitement, the NBA is introducing a completely new All-Star Game format this year.
Instead of the traditional East vs. West or a captain-driven draft, the 24 All-Stars will be split into three teams, drafted by NBA on TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. These three squads will compete in a four-team tournament, with the fourth team composed of rookies and second-year players from the Rising Stars event on February 14.
Each game in the tournament will be first to 40 points, leading to a championship game between the two winning teams. The league hopes that this shorter, high-intensity format will result in more defense, higher energy, and less of the uncontested dunk-and-three-pointer spectacle that defined last year’s record-breaking 211-186 scoreline.
“We went back to the drawing board,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explained. “We had direct conversations with many of the perennial All-Stars about what would make the game more competitive. I’m optimistic that this new format will work.”
The NBA All-Star Draft will take place on February 6, with the tournament-style All-Star Game scheduled for February 16.
Major All-Star Snubs Raise Eyebrows
With only 24 All-Star spots available, several notable stars were left off the roster, sparking heated debates among fans and analysts.
Among the biggest snubs were:
- Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) – Despite averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, Doncic missed the cut after playing only 22 games due to injuries.
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) – The Hawks guard is fourth in the NBA in scoring (28.2 PPG) and has averaged over 7 assists per game, but failed to receive enough support from coaches.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) & Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) – Two of the league’s brightest young guards, both have been playing at an All-Star level, yet neither made the list.
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) & De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings) – Two of the West’s top-scoring guards were overlooked despite leading their teams to winning records.
- Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) – The NBA’s rebounding leader and triple-double threat was surprisingly omitted.
“If Doncic and Young maintain their numbers and qualify for the league’s statistical leaders, they would be the only two players in NBA history to average over 28 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in a season and not make the All-Star Game,” an ESPN analyst noted.
While these players didn’t make the initial cut, they could still be named as injury replacements in the coming weeks. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has the authority to select alternates if any of the chosen All-Stars withdraw due to injury.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the NBA All-Star Game?
With a new format, rising stars like Wembanyama making their debuts, and some of the game’s biggest names missing out, the 2024 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
Key dates leading up to the event:
- February 6 – NBA All-Star Draft (Teams selected by Shaq, Barkley, and Kenny Smith)
- February 14 – Rising Stars Game (Rookies and second-year players compete)
- February 16 – NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco (New three-team format)
All eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama, as he steps onto the All-Star stage for the first time, continuing his meteoric rise as one of the league’s most exciting young superstars.
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