Mitch Johnson
January 2026
Johnson will coach one of the All-Star teams after leading the Spurs to a 33-16 start and the second-best record in the West. Eligibility rules blocked Daigneault because he coached the previous year’s All-Star; Johnson’s December recognition and San Antonio’s first-half record secured the nod.
LeBron James
January 2026
James was named a West reserve for a record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection after missing the first 14 games with sciatica, saying he focused on returning to form rather than chasing the honor. Coaches voted him in despite early-season missed time; debate followed due to notable omissions; James emphasized health and performance since returning, and he remains an All-Star points/minutes leader.
Paul George
January 2026
George received a 25-game suspension without pay for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. The NBA announced the penalty and stated the suspension starts immediately with the 76ers’ next game.
Stephen Curry
January 2026
Curry moved into sole possession of 19th all-time in scoring by passing Paul Pierce, finishing with 27 points in a 140-124 win. He did it with a first-quarter stepback three, continuing a strong January and adding to late-career scoring milestones, with a path to climb further if he stays healthy.
Kevin Durant
January 2026
Durant moved to 10th all-time with 2,291 made 3-pointers, passing Vince Carter. He hit the record-breaking three in the first quarter and finished with 24 points as Houston lost 111-99, with Paul George next on the list ahead.
Isaiah Stewart
January 2026
Stewart credits being dunked on early in his career as fuel for becoming an elite rim protector, with strong block production and league-leading rim defense metrics driving Defensive Player of the Year ambition. He describes repeatedly challenging shots without fear, leading to high block totals, low opponent efficiency at the rim, conference monthly defensive honors, and internal endorsements from coaches and teammates.
Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks
January 2026
The NBA postponed Nuggets at Grizzlies and Mavericks at Bucks because a winter storm created unsafe travel conditions, with rescheduled dates not yet announced. Dallas attempted to fly to Milwaukee twice and could not. The league postponed both games hours before tipoff and redirected prepared arena food to local shelters in Milwaukee.
Denver Nuggets
January 2026
The Nuggets vs Grizzlies game was postponed because of inclement weather in Memphis, with a new date to be announced. The NBA announced the postponement and said the rescheduled date is to be determined.
JB Bickerstaff
January 2026
Bickerstaff will coach at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game after Detroit held the Eastern Conference’s best record through Feb. 1, marking his first All-Star head coaching selection. He becomes Detroit’s first All-Star head coach since Flip Saunders in 2005-06, with the 2026 game set for Feb. 15 on NBC and Peacock.
Derrick Rose
January 2026
Rose’s No. 1 jersey will be raised to the rafters, placing him alongside franchise icons, closing a loop on a hometown journey that began with the Bulls winning the 2008 draft lottery at 1.7% odds. The piece traces Rose’s Chicago roots, Simeon success, Memphis one-and-done rise, instant NBA impact as 2009 Rookie of the Year, and a signature 36-point playoff debut in Boston that announced him as a franchise cornerstone.
