NBA All-Star reserves: Who deserves a spot? Which potential first-time selections should make the cut?

The NBA recently announced the starters for the 2026 All-Star Game, with eight of the author's media ballot selections making the cut: Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama in the West, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown in the East. The author notes that Jalen Brunson and Stephen Curry earned starting spots over their picks of Donovan Mitchell and Anthony Edwards, respectively, but considers these choices reasonable, as Brunson and Curry would have been top reserve selections otherwise.

The author clarifies that their reserve picks are purely for entertainment and have no bearing on the actual selections, which are determined solely by NBA coaches. Despite this, they share their personal choices for seven reserve players from each conference, selected without positional constraints in line with recent All-Star format changes, and accounting for potential injury replacements.

For the Western Conference, the author lists Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Kevin Durant (Rockets), Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), and Chet Holmgren (Thunder) as part of their reserve picks, with statistics and records referenced as of Tuesday's games.

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