Victor Wembanyama earns first NBA All-Star selection

Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has been named an NBA All-Star for the first time, joining a mix of seasoned veterans and first-time selections in the 2025 game.

Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on before the game at the Frost Bank Center on January 29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Darren Carroll/NBAE/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Yuni Utomo

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has officially earned his first NBA All-Star selection, joining the list of Western Conference reserves announced on Thursday. The 20-year-old French sensation, who was named NBA Rookie of the Year last season, continues to impress with dominant performances on both ends of the floor.

Wembanyama has been a standout for the Spurs this season, averaging 24.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.9 blocks per game. His defensive presence and offensive versatility have made him one of the most exciting young players in the league, cementing his place among the NBA’s elite.

Wembanyama is one of three first-time All-Stars in the Western Conference, joining Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Alperen Şengün of the Houston Rockets. The rest of the West’s reserves include Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), and James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers).

In the Eastern Conference, three players—Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), and Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)—have been named All-Stars for the first time. The East’s reserves also include Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers), Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks).

While the All-Star reserves feature a strong mix of young talent and veteran stars, several high-profile players were left out. In the East, Trae Young, who leads the NBA with 11.4 assists per game, and LaMelo Ball, the top fan vote-getter among Eastern Conference guards, were not selected by the coaches.

In the West, Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, who leads the NBA with 14.5 rebounds per game, also missed out on a spot. Other notable omissions include Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, both of whom had strong cases but were ultimately overlooked.

This year’s All-Star Game will introduce a revamped format, shifting away from the traditional East vs. West matchup. Instead, the game will feature three teams, with the 24 All-Star selections and the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge forming the rosters.

TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal will serve as honorary general managers, selecting teams from the All-Star pool on February 6. The competition will consist of two semifinal games and a championship matchup, with the first team to reach 40 points in each game declared the winner.

The winning team will receive a share of a $1.8 million prize pool, with each player earning $125,000.

Wembanyama’s All-Star selection is the latest milestone in a rapidly ascending career. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Spurs in 2023, the French phenom has taken the league by storm with his unique blend of size, skill, and defensive dominance.

His impact has been felt across the board, as he leads the NBA in blocked shots while showcasing improved offensive efficiency. With the Spurs in rebuilding mode, Wembanyama has emerged as the franchise’s cornerstone, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s all-time great big men.

With the All-Star rosters set, the focus now shifts to San Francisco, where the NBA’s midseason showcase will take place from February 14 to 16. Wembanyama will have the opportunity to compete alongside the league’s biggest stars and showcase his talents on the game’s grandest stage.

As the tournament-style format debuts, all eyes will be on how the new structure plays out and how first-time All-Stars like Wembanyama, Williams, Şengün, Mobley, Cunningham, and Herro perform under the spotlight.

For Wembanyama, this All-Star selection is just the beginning. With his rapid development and growing influence on the game, the young Frenchman is on track to become a perennial All-Star for years to come.

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