The first returns for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco are in, and the results are sending a clear message to the league’s veterans: the next generation isn’t waiting their turn anymore. While LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain top vote-getters, the gap is closing at a record-shattering pace.
The “Wemby” Takeover
For the first time in his young career, Victor Wembanyama is currently leading the Western Conference in total fan votes, narrowly edging out LeBron James. This marks the first time since the mid-2000s that a player under 22 has sat atop the voting leaderboard. “Wemby-mania” has reached a fever pitch as he leads the league in blocks and has his Spurs fighting for a top-6 seed.
The Backcourt Battle: SGA vs. Edwards
The most contentious race is in the Western Conference backcourt. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards are currently locked in a statistical tie for the starting spot.
- SGA has the “analytical” vote, leading the league’s best team (OKC).
- Edwards has the “viral” vote, with his nightly highlight-reel dunks for the Timberwolves dominating social media feeds.
Long-time staples like Klay Thompson and James Harden are, for the first time, in danger of missing the cut entirely as fans pivot toward the “Ant-Man” era.
The East: Brunson’s Kingdom
In the Eastern Conference, Jalen Brunson has officially overtaken Giannis Antetokounmpo as the leading vote-getter. The Knicks’ recent success has galvanized the New York market, and Brunson’s “working man’s superstar” persona is resonating globally.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is Paolo Banchero, who is currently third in the frontcourt voting, ahead of veterans like Joel Embiid. The Orlando Magic’s rise to a top-3 seed has turned Banchero into a legitimate household name.
The Snub Watch
With so much young talent ascending, several perennial All-Stars are on the bubble:
- Kawhi Leonard: Injuries and “load management” have finally caught up with his fan-voting numbers.
- Damian Lillard: The coaching turmoil in Milwaukee has seen his stock dip among casual voters.
- Jimmy Butler: Amidst trade rumors, Butler is currently 10th in East frontcourt voting.
What’s Next? The “Triple Vote” days are approaching in mid-January. Expect massive social media campaigns from teams like the Rockets and Pacers to get their young stars over the hump.
Stat to Note: Over 45% of the total votes cast so far have been for players aged 25 or younger, the highest percentage in NBA history.
