Anthony Edwards
February 2026
Edwards was named All-Star Game MVP after leading USA Stars to tournament victory, delivering consistent scoring impact across the mini-game format and outperforming rivals in cumulative influence. He scored 32 points across three games, hit key clutch threes and helped secure overtime progression and final victory. Media voters valued his all-round tournament impact over single-game scoring totals.
Victor Wembanyama
February 2026
Wembanyama drew attention for his competitive approach in the All-Star format, showing visible frustration in defeat and vowing to restore intensity to the exhibition spectacle through effort and defensive commitment. He defended possessions aggressively and played with playoff-level energy, influencing teammates to raise effort levels. His attitude reignited debate around All-Star competitiveness and reinforced his growing leadership influence within the league.
Adam Silver
February 2026
Silver said tanking behaviour is worse than recent memory, with the league fining Utah and Indiana for violating integrity and player participation standards, and warning further penalties could include draft-pick forfeiture. Utah was fined $500,000 for “conduct detrimental” linked to late-game benchings, while Indiana was fined $100,000 after an independent physician found held-out starters could have played under policy standards. Silver said the league will reconsider lottery and draft incentives because the system rewards losing.
Chris Paul
February 2026
He confirmed he is stepping away after 21 seasons. He was traded to Toronto at the deadline in a deal that did not require reporting, and multiple reports say the Raptors will waive him. The retirement frames a shift toward family and life after playing, with league leadership highlighting his on-court résumé and union leadership. The trade-waive path effectively closed any late-season title chase with another team.
Zach LaVine
February 2026
He will miss the remainder of the season because he needs surgery on his right hand, ending his campaign after appearing in 39 games and producing steady scoring on efficient overall shooting. The report indicates the procedure is scheduled following the mid-season pause, ruling out any late push. His availability will shift to off-season recovery planning, with the team needing to cover his minutes and shot creation for the stretch run.
Nikola Topić
February 2026
Topić logged his first NBA minutes and first points after missing extensive time due to a pre-draft knee injury and subsequent testicular cancer treatment. He was eased in off the bench, received a big ovation, scored on a mid-range jumper, and followed a recent G League appearance where he played limited minutes as he ramps back up.
Dillon Brooks
February 2026
Brooks received an automatic one-game suspension without pay after his 16th technical foul of the season, per NBA rules. The 16th technical was assessed during Phoenix’s loss to Oklahoma City. League policy triggers a one-game ban at 16, then one additional game for every two techs thereafter. He will miss the road game at San Antonio on Feb. 19.
Cooper Flagg
February 2026
Flagg has a left midfoot sprain confirmed by MRI and will not participate in the Rising Stars game or the Mavericks’ last game before the All-Star break. The injury occurred in a 120-111 loss at Phoenix where he scored 27. Dallas said updates will follow. He has been carrying Dallas’s offense during an eight-game losing streak, and the team resumes after the break on Friday, Feb. 20 at Minnesota.
Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets
February 2026
Stewart was suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering the altercation, and fighting. Bridges and Diabaté received four games each, and Duren received two games. The NBA said the sequence started when Diabaté committed a defensive foul on Duren with 7:09 left in the third quarter of Detroit’s 110-104 win. All four were ejected after technical fouls, with Stewart’s longer ban partly tied to prior unsportsmanlike history.
Zaccharie Risacher
Feburary 2026
Risacher replaces Mitchell on Team T-Mac for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars after Mitchell was ruled out with an abdominal strain. The league says Risacher is a second-year participant and is averaging 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds this season. Team T-Mac is coached by McGrady, with other honorary coaches leading the remaining squads in the event at Intuit Dome.
