Victor Wembanyama earns first NBA All-Star selection amid new format changes
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 31, 2025, 21:41 IST
( Image credit : AP )
San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama has earned his first NBA All-Star selection, joining an elite group of players. The rising star's inclusion highlights his exceptional skills and potential. The event, featuring a new format to increase competitiveness, is set for February 16. Notable snubs include LaMelo Ball and Luka Doncic, who may still be added as replacements.
San Antonio Spurs' rising star Victor Wembanyama has secured his first NBA All-Star selection, marking another milestone in his impressive young career. The reigning Rookie of the Year is among 14 players named as reserves for the highly anticipated event set to take place on February 16 in San Francisco.
Wembanyama's selection is a testament to his exceptional skills and rapid growth in the league. The 7-foot-4 center joins an exclusive group of Spurs players who made the All-Star Game within their first two seasons, a list that includes franchise legends Alvin Robertson, David Robinson, and Tim Duncan. Spurs acting coach Mitch Johnson praised the young star’s relentless work ethic and dedication to improvement.
NBA coaches, responsible for selecting the reserves, recognized Wembanyama’s dominant performances and unique abilities. His All-Star nod places him among some of the league’s most elite talents, reinforcing his potential to be a generational player.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The All-Star reserves consist of seven players from each conference. From the Eastern Conference, the selections include Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers), Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks), and Tyler Herro (Miami Heat).
The Western Conference roster includes Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets), and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder). Six of these players, including Wembanyama, are making their All-Star debuts.
Joining them are the ten previously announced starters: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
New All-Star Game Format
This year’s All-Star Game will feature a revamped format designed to enhance competitiveness. Instead of the traditional East vs. West showdown, the 24 All-Stars will be divided into three teams of eight, drafted by NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith.
The new format introduces a four-team tournament, incorporating a fourth squad composed of rookies and second-year players from the Rising Stars event. The tournament consists of two semifinal games, with the winners facing off in the championship round. Each game will be played to 40 points, a change aimed at increasing intensity and engagement.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the importance of revitalizing the All-Star Game after last year’s contest, which saw record-breaking scores but lacked defensive effort.
“We had direct conversations with many of the players, including perennial All-Stars, about making the game more competitive,” Silver stated. “We’re optimistic that this format will create a better experience for both players and fans.”
Notable Snubs and Potential Replacements
Despite the excitement surrounding the All-Star selections, several notable names were left off the roster. Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball, Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, and Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic were among the most surprising omissions. Ball, who averages 28.2 points per game, and Doncic, who is posting near triple-double numbers when healthy, were particularly strong candidates.
With potential injuries affecting the roster in the coming weeks, NBA Commissioner Silver has the authority to name replacements. Players like Ball and Doncic could still find their way into the All-Star Game if vacancies arise.
As the NBA’s best prepare to showcase their talents on the grand stage, all eyes will be on Wembanyama and his fellow first-time All-Stars as they look to leave their mark. With the league's innovative format changes, the 2025 All-Star Game promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history.