The votes were in earlier this week, and the brightest stars in the NBA have already claimed their starting spots for the 2025 All-Star Game. On the West side, the dazzling duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Stephen Curry headline a starting lineup that also boasts Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile, in the East, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell orchestrate the backcourt, with Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Karl-Anthony Towns completing the powerhouse front line.
But while the starters draw the spotlight, the reserves spark just as much excitement. With names like LaMelo Ball and Anthony Davis in the mix, the anticipation for the official announcement of the reserves is at a fever pitch. Who will rise to join the league’s best? Let’s break it down.
Eastern Conference All-Star Reserves
Damian Lillard
2024-25 Season Statistics: 25.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
At age 34, Damian Lillard continues to prove why he’s still an elite offensive player. Despite struggling with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier in the season, Lillard has put up great numbers and has pushed the team back to playoff contention. Lillard’s game remains as potent as ever, earning him a well-deserved reserve spot.
What stands out this season is Lillard’s adaptability. Sharing the court with Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t diminished his impact and he deserves credit for that. Lillard is still a top-three point guard in the East and his numbers remain elite despite the noise around the team.
LaMelo Ball
2024-25 Season Statistics: 28.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Charlotte’s young star, LaMelo Ball, has blossomed into one of the league’s most unstoppable scorers. His deep three-pointers are a staple of highlight reels, but it’s his improved all-around scoring that pushes him over the top as a reserve. Despite the Hornets’ poor season (12-31), Ball has been dominant.
What sets LaMelo apart is his creativity. His flair for the dramatic energizes teammates and fans alike, and he belongs in an All-Star Game again. Ball has seamlessly transitioned from a star to a budding superstar, earning his first nod as a reserve and there shouldn’t be debate about that.
Cade Cunningham
2024-25 Season Statistics: 24.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 9.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Cade Cunningham is the epitome of steady growth and resilience. In his fourth year with the Detroit Pistons, Cunningham has emerged as the team’s undisputed leader, carrying the offense while displaying remarkable poise for a young player.
His ability to play both on and off the ball has unlocked Detroit’s potential, keeping them competitive in a tough Eastern Conference with a chance to make the playoffs. Dealing with a tough Detroit’s rebuilding phase over the past few seasons, Cade’s consistency can’t be ignored and he has finally broken through to become a lock for the All-Star Team.
Jaylen Brown
2024-25 Season Statistics: 23.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Jaylen Brown is still an All-Star for the talented Boston Celtics, complementing Jayson Tatum perfectly while remaining consistent as a two-way player. Brown’s ability to score at all three levels while locking down the opposition’s top threats makes him invaluable to Boston’s success this season.
Particularly on nights when the offense sputters in Boston, Brown’s relentless attack mentality has kept the team afloat. His inclusion among the reserves feels almost inevitable when looking at the Celtics’ impressive 32-15 record which is good for second in the Eastern Conference.
Pascal Siakam
2024-25 Season Statistics: 20.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Though Indiana had an inconsistent season to start the year, Pascal Siakam remained a steady beacon of excellence and the Pacers have improved their play as a result. Siakam’s scoring versatility, particularly his ability to score in isolation and transition, has kept the team competitive.
Siakam’s increased role as an all-around threat and defender this season highlights his evolution into a more complete All-Star threat. In terms of who has played best for the 5th-seeded Pacers, Siakam deserves the nod ahead of Tyrese Haliburton.
Evan Mobley
2024-25 Season Statistics: 18.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Evan Mobley has taken a massive leap this season, anchoring the Eastern Conference’s best team while adding more polish to his offensive and defensive game. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ success heavily relies on Mobley’s ability to protect the paint, switch onto guards, and score efficiently in the post.
What’s remarkable is Mobley’s maturity. Despite his youth (23), he plays with the composure of a veteran, and his impact on both ends is undeniable. His first All-Star selection is coming because the Cavaliers deserve at least three All-Star players from their team.
Jarrett Allen
2024-25 Season Statistics: 13.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG
The final Cavs player who deserves a spot on the All-Star Team is Jarrett Allen. Allen’s defensive presence and relentless energy make him a critical piece of Cleveland’s dominance in the paint. Night after night, Allen is a threat to rack up double-doubles and his presence cannot be denied.
Cleveland’s success is no accident, and Allen’s contributions are a major reason why. Whether anchoring the defense or providing easy buckets in the pick-and-roll, Allen has been a model of consistency this season, earning his second and well-deserved All-Star appearance.
Western Conference All-Star Reserves
Kyrie Irving
2024-25 Season Statistics: 24.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Despite the absence of his superstar teammate Luka Doncic for most of the season, Kyrie Irving continues to dazzle with his unparalleled offensive skillset. Irving has showcased his ability to dominate games as a scorer while keeping the Mavericks afloat in the Western Conference.
Irving’s All-Star selection reflects more than just his individual brilliance—it’s about how he’s helped elevate the Mavericks. On any given night, he can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best, and he has been the most steady presence for the Mavericks during a turbulent season due to injuries.
Anthony Edwards
2024-25 Season Statistics: 26.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Anthony Edwards has not been able to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves back to the top of the West but that doesn’t knock him out of the All-Star Team. His explosive athleticism, improved shot creation, and leadership have made him the heart and soul of a team fighting for playoff contention.
Edwards’ ability to take over games offensively while guarding the opposing team’s top scorer is a testament to his superstar trajectory. There is no doubt that Edwards is a top-10 talent in the NBA right now and as a potential future face of the league, the shooting guard is off to a great start in his young career.
Jalen Williams
2024-25 Season Statistics: 21.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The third-year sensation from Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams, has been one of the most exciting breakout stars of the season and he deserves his first All-Star selection because of his excellent play alongside superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder.
Williams’ versatility is what makes him special. Whether he’s locking down an opponent, draining threes, or driving to the hoop, his all-around game has helped OKC capture the best record in the NBA. At the very least, the Thunder deserve two All-Stars for their incredible season.
Norman Powell
2024-25 Season Statistics: 23.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Norman Powell has been the unsung hero for the Clippers, providing consistent scoring off the bench and stepping up when Kawhi Leonard has been sidelined. His ability to create his own shot and hit from deep has been a lifeline for a team battling injuries all season.
Powell’s All-Star selection is a nod to the importance of the “glue guy.” He might not be the flashiest player, but his reliability and clutch performances make him a key contributor to the Clippers’ success and he slightly gets the nod over James Harden.
Alperen Sengun
2024-25 Season Statistics: 19.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The Houston Rockets’ young center, Alperen Sengun, has emerged as one of the most unique big men in the league. The Rockets have shocked everybody by capturing the second seed in the Western Conference with big wins over teams like the Cavaliers and Celtics, so they deserve one player to make the All-Star Team.
Sengun’s ability to impact games in so many ways has been impressive. Very few big men in the league can go after rebounds like Sengun can and he is consistently commanding double-teams which is opening up the floor for Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and the Rockets’ talented players.
Anthony Davis
2024-25 Season Statistics: 26.3 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG
When healthy, Anthony Davis remains one of the most dominant forces in the league. This season, he’s reminded everyone why he’s a perennial All-Star, averaging monster numbers while anchoring the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense every night. There is no doubt that the Lakers wouldn’t be in a playoff spot without the big man’s presence.
Davis’ ability to dominate both ends of the floor has been instrumental in keeping the Lakers in playoff contention and the big man believes he should be a frontrunner for DPOY. The big man is back to his best on both ends of the floor and he will be a lock for the All-Star reserves.
Victor Wembanyama
2024-25 Season Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 3.9 BPG
The 7’4″ phenom is unsurprisingly living up to the hype, making an immediate impact for the Spurs as the team has hopes for a play-in spot. Victor Wembanyama’s shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and ball-handling make him one of the most unique players the league has ever seen.
The future is now for Wemby because he is leading the league in blocks for the second season in a row and seems to be in a strong position to capture his first of many DPOY awards. Wemby is another sure-fire lock for the All-Star reserves to be prepared to see the big man kickstart a reign of dominance.
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