Key Facts
- ✓ Deni Avdija finished seventh overall in the NBA All-Star voting process, combining fan, player, and media ballots.
- ✓ While fans rated the Israeli forward in the top five, lower rankings from players and media pulled his cumulative score down.
- ✓ The NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 12, with the starting lineup already confirmed by the league.
- ✓ Coaches are now responsible for selecting the seven reserve players per conference to complete the 24-man roster.
- ✓ The All-Star selection process uses a weighted voting system, with fans contributing 50% of the total vote.
- ✓ Avdija remains in contention for a reserve spot, which would mark his first All-Star selection.
Quick Summary
The NBA has officially announced its 2026 All-Star starting lineup, and while the roster features some of the league's biggest names, one notable omission has captured the attention of international basketball fans. Israeli forward Deni Avdija has fallen just short of securing a starting spot for the upcoming showcase.
Despite strong support from the fan vote, Avdija's overall ranking placed him seventh, leaving his All-Star fate uncertain. The final decision now shifts to the league's head coaches, who will determine the remaining roster spots for the highly anticipated game on February 12.
The Voting Breakdown
The All-Star selection process is a complex blend of fan enthusiasm, player respect, and media analysis. For the 2026 season, Avdija's campaign showcased a fascinating divide in perception across these three groups.
While the fan vote demonstrated overwhelming popularity—placing Avdija firmly within the top five contenders—the player and media ballots did not reflect the same level of support. This discrepancy resulted in a cumulative ranking of seventh overall, narrowly missing the automatic starting positions.
The final starting lineup was determined by a weighted system, where fan votes accounted for 50% of the total, with player and media votes each contributing 25% to the final tally.
- Fan vote: Top 5 placement
- Player vote: Lower ranking
- Media vote: Lower ranking
- Overall result: 7th place
The Reserve Path Forward
Missing a starting spot does not eliminate a player from the All-Star roster. The NBA All-Star Game format includes 12 starting positions (six from each conference), but the full roster is expanded to accommodate 24 total players.
The remaining seven spots per conference are selected exclusively by the league's head coaches. This process allows for the inclusion of players who may have been edged out in the fan-driven voting but have demonstrated exceptional performance and value throughout the season.
Coaches are tasked with selecting reserves based on several criteria, including:
- Overall statistical performance
- Team success and impact
- Positional balance
- Experience and reputation
Avdija's strong season metrics and contributions to his team's success make him a viable candidate for one of these coveted reserve selections.
International Impact
Avdija's potential selection carries significance beyond his individual achievement. As one of the most prominent Israeli players in the NBA, his presence on the All-Star stage would mark a milestone for international basketball.
The 2026 All-Star Game represents a global showcase, and the inclusion of diverse talent from around the world continues to be a focal point for the league. Avdija's journey from international prospect to NBA standout exemplifies the league's expanding global reach.
His performance this season has solidified his status as a key contributor, with metrics that highlight his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.
What Comes Next
The anticipation now builds as the NBA announces the reserve selections. The league typically reveals the full All-Star roster in stages, with the reserve announcement coming shortly after the starters are confirmed.
Coaches have a limited window to submit their ballots, and the final roster must be finalized ahead of the February 12 game. Any injuries to selected players may also result in additional replacements being named.
For Avdija and his supporters, the waiting period continues. The final decision will determine whether the Israeli forward earns his first All-Star selection and joins the elite group of players participating in the mid-season classic.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be a memorable event, with the starting lineup already set and the reserve selections imminent. While Deni Avdija missed out on a starting spot, his journey to the All-Star stage is far from over.
The coaches' vote represents the final hurdle in the selection process, and Avdija's strong season performance keeps him firmly in the conversation. Whether he secures a reserve spot or not, his rise in the NBA continues to be a story worth watching.
The full All-Star roster will be revealed in the coming days, bringing clarity to one of the season's most anticipated announcements.
