Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, has expressed strong criticism regarding the selections for the upcoming 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which will take place in Los Angeles. The league announced the complete roster of 24 players—12 from the Eastern Conference and 12 from the Western Conference—on February 1, 2026. Notable names such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo made the list, but some selections have sparked debate.
Among the most controversial absences is Joel Embiid, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in the league this season. Despite his impressive averages of 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in just 31 minutes per game for the Philadelphia 76ers, he has only played 28 games this season, which contributed to his exclusion. Arenas is vocal about his belief that Embiid’s performance warrants a spot in the All-Star lineup.
“Naw, this ain’t it… Can someone tap me when the REAL ALL-STAR list is out?” Arenas tweeted. He emphasized that even a limited version of Embiid is playing better than many of the selected players. “A one-legged Embiid is playing better than HALF this list. I’d rather watch him limp up and down than some of these guys (NO Disrespect),” he added.
Arenas’s argument highlights a broader discussion about the criteria used for All-Star selections. He points out that some players on the list may not even be the best on their respective teams. “Some of these guys aren’t even the best player on their team, and they’re at this game with these numbers,” he remarked. He further criticized the performance metrics of certain selections, suggesting that the All-Star Game should feature the league’s absolute best talent.
Debate Over All-Star Game Relevance
The controversy surrounding the All-Star selections is not new. Over the years, fans and analysts have debated the format and criteria for choosing All-Stars. Arenas believes that the current approach has contributed to declining interest in the event. “And they wonder why they’re having a problem with the All-Star game,” he noted.
He contended that the All-Star Game should represent the top 24 players in the world, and that some selections do not meet this standard. “Someone has 13 wins here. 13 wins is cool if you’re averaging 40, but if you’re having a regular year… everybody is gone, and you’re averaging 23,” Arenas stated, suggesting that the focus should remain on exceptional performance rather than popularity or legacy.
As the All-Star Game approaches, discussions about its format and selection process may intensify. With voices like Arenas adding to the discourse, the NBA may find itself under increased pressure to reassess how its stars are chosen and celebrated. The reactions from fans and players alike will be worth monitoring as the league continues to navigate these critical issues leading up to the event.
