This year, however, veteran superstars like James, Curry, and Durant shouldn’t automatically be ushered to the forefront. Despite their strong individual performances, their teams have faced challenges, and the highly competitive Western Conference boasts a deep pool of deserving candidates for All-Star starting positions.

The Washington Post has presented its hypothetical ballot for the NBA All-Star Game starters, emphasizing individual statistics, availability, and contribution to team success. Here are the selections for the Eastern and Western Conference starters:

Western Conference Backcourt:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)

The 35-year-old Curry maintains elite on-court impact numbers and has enjoyed good health, but his presence hasn’t prevented the Warriors from sinking to 12th in the West standings. With Doncic leading Dallas to a top-10 offense and a meaningfully better record than Golden State, he deserves the nod over Curry, who has started every year since 2014 (besides 2020 and 2023 because of injuries).

Western Conference Frontcourt:

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)

Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)

The last time James wasn’t an all-star starter was 2004, when the 19-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers rookie was left off the East team entirely in favor of Kenyon Martin, Jamaal Magloire and Metta World Peace (who was still known then as Ron Artest), among others. Yeah, it’s been awhile. The fans want the run to continue — selecting James, Jokic and Durant as starters after the most recent round of voting — and some would argue James should start every year until he retires based on his historical importance and popularity. But if this conversation is limited to on-court play this year, the 39-year-old forward is only the fifth-most deserving candidate in the West frontcourt.

Eastern Conference Backcourt:

Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)

Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)

Eastern Conference Frontcourt:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)

Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)

The selections involve tough decisions, including omitting veterans like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant in favor of players who have made significant impacts on their teams this season. The Washington Post prioritizes factors such as on-court performance, health, and overall contributions to team success. The reserves for the All-Star Game will be announced later, with the full rosters unveiled on January 30.