Every NBA Team’s Last All-Star Starter

Just a few short days ago, the 2023-24 starters for this year’s NBA All-Star Game were announced. With the game returning to an Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format, the voting was intense and the results were surprising. 

The selection of these 10 players, specifically players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton who earned their first career All-Star starts, made me wonder when was the last time a player from every NBA team started in the All-Star game?

Let’s find out.

We will not include this season because we have yet to see who will officially start because of the injuries to Joel Embiid and other players.*

Atlanta Hawks – Trae Young (2022)

It was just two seasons ago that Trae Young broke the 11-year franchise drought of having a starter in the All-Star Game held by Joe Johnson in 2010. Young earned his spot by averaging 27.8 points and 9.3 assists per game in the first half of the season. In the 2022 All-Star Game, Young would start for Team Durant and go for 13 points and 10 assists in 19 minutes of action. He would shoot 5-13 from the floor overall and just 3-9 from three-point range.

Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum (2023)

The 2022-23 season was not just the last time the Boston Celtics had a starter in the All-Star Game but it would be one in which Jayson Tatum made history. As a starter for Team Giannis, Tatum went scorched Earth on Team LeBron, shooting 22-31 from the field overall including 10-18 from three-point range. Tatum would earn All-Star MVP honors with 55 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, breaking the All-Star Game individual scoring record in an 184-175 win.

Brooklyn Nets – Kyrie Irving (2023)

In 2022 and 2023, Kevin Durant was voted by the fans as both a starter and captain in the NBA All-Star Game. However, since he did not participate in either of those games, the last time the Brooklyn Nets had a starter in the All-Star Game who played was in 2023 with Kyrie Irving. In that All-Star Game, Irving saw 28 minutes of action as a starter for Team LeBron. He would shoot 14-21 from the floor for 32 points and dished out 15 assists as well but Team LeBron would fall to Team Giannis, 184-175.

Charlotte Hornets – Kemba Walker (2019)

It has been five years since the last time the Charlotte Hornets had a starter in the NBA All-Star Game. The last time we saw a member of their franchise represented in a starting lineup was Kemba Walker in 2019 when he averaged 24.9 points and 5.6 assists per game in the first half of the season. Walker was selected by Team Giannis to be a starter in the game. He received 20 minutes of playing time and shot just 2-8 from the field for 4 points and 8 assists. It was Walker’s final season with the Hornets that resulted in an All-NBA Team selection as well.

Chicago Bulls – DeMar DeRozan (2022)

When DeMar DeRozan came over to the Chicago Bulls in 2022, he shut all of his doubters up by becoming an All-Star starter and a legitimate MVP candidate for the first half of the 2021-22 season. DeRozan would be selected by Lebron James to start for his team during the game where he played 26.5 minutes. DeRozan finished the contest with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists as Team LeBron pulled out a close one, 163-160.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Donovan Mitchell (2023)

We do not have to go very far to find the last time a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers started in the NBA All-Star Game. After coming over in a deal with the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell had a career year with the Cavaliers in 2023 which included a selection to the NBA All-Star game as a starter and member of Team Giannis. Mitchell would see 30 minutes of action on the night and shot 15-25 from the field overall which included 8-17 from three-point range. He finished with 40 points and 10 assists, likely to be named MVP if it weren’t for Jayson Tatum’s record-setting evening.

Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic (2023)

In 2023-24, Luka Doncic earned his fifth career selection to the All-Star Game and what could be his fourth start barring injury. Doncic’s status as a superstar is accompanied by his consistent appearance both in the All-Star Game and as a member of All-NBA Teams ever since his debut in 2018-19. In his 2023 trip to the All-Star Game, Doncic played just 18 minutes for Team LeBron, going for just 4 points and 5 assists in the nine-point loss. It was clear that Doncic, like many others, was there simply to enjoy the experience and revel in the moment rather than go all out on the court.

Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic (2023)

Barring any setbacks, the two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic will make another start for the Denver Nuggets in the All-Star Game in 2024. Jokic has made starts in each of the last three All-Star Games including the most recent edition in 2023. For Team LeBron last season, Jokic played 20.5 minutes and also scored just 4 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the loss. What else do you expect from a player who treats the NBA Finals just like another day at the office?

Detroit Pistons – Allen Iverson (2009)

To find the last time the Detroit Pistons sent a starter to the NBA All-Star Game, we have to go back to 2009 when Allen Iverson unceremoniously wore their jersey. Iverson was named as a starter in the East alongside such stars as LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, and Dwyane Wade. In this edition of the All-Star Game, Iverson would play just 15.5 minutes and shot just 1-4 from the field for 2 points and 3 assists. The Eastern Conference fell way short in the game overall, 146-119 in favor of the West.

Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry And Andrew Wiggins (2022)

Until this year’s voting was released, it had become a certainty that Stephen Curry was a starter every season in the NBA All-Star Game. While that streak was broken in 2024, Curry has had his fair share of memorable performances in the exhibition over the years. The last time Curry actually took the floor as a starter, he captured his first All-Star MVP award with 50 points thanks to 17-30 shooting overall but more impressively, 16-27 from three. Curry’s performance led Team LeBron to a 163-160 win.

Andrew Wiggins was also surprisingly selected as an All-Star starter by fans in 2022. Wiggins was then selected by Team Durant and played 15 minutes in the game for them on the night. He finished with 10 points on 4-7 shooting.

Houston Rockets – James Harden (2020)

Since James Harden departed from the Houston Rockets in 2020-21, they have had no luck in getting any of their players selected to All-Star starting lineups. Harden’s last All-Star start for Houston came in 2020 for a loaded Team LeBron squad that would go on to win by two, 157-155. In this game, Harden would play just 17.5 minutes and record 11 points on 3-9 shooting from the floor along with 6 assists and 2 blocks.

Indiana Pacers – Paul George (2016)

Before Tyrese Haliburton’s selection as a starter in 2024, it had been eight years since we last saw a member of the Indiana Pacers grace the starting lineup in an All-Star Game. Back in 2016, Paul George was voted in with the Pacers to make the start for the Eastern Conference. George would play 26.8 minutes and shoot 16-26 from the field, recording 41 points which also included knocking down nine three-pointers. George’s performance would be lost in the West’s 196-173 rout of the East.

Los Angeles Clippers – Kawhi Leonard (2021)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veMCjwopxdk

Prior to the knee injury that cost him the end of the playoffs in 2021 and the entire 2022 season, Kawhi Leonard was an All-Star starter for the Clippers in 2021. Leonard was chosen as a member of Team Durant for the exhibition and would play 20 minutes while going for just 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists in the contest. Leonard’s team would be defeated by a score of 170-150 with Leonard failing to defend his MVP performance from the prior year.

Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James (2023)

It is already known that LeBron James is a captain for this year’s All-Star Game just as he has been the previous six seasons. Without knowing James’ status for this year’s festivities, we have to take a look at his 2023 All-Star performance as his most recent. James was captain last season but would play just 14.5 minutes on the court. He went for 13 points and 4 assists in that short time as he watched his team fall 184-175 amid Jayson Tatum’s 55-point night.

Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant (2023)

Unfortunately for NBA fans, Ja Morant will not be part of this year’s All-Star festivities thanks to suspension and injury keeping him off the court for all but nine games in 2023-24. Morant did start the All-Star Game last season for Team Giannis before everything went south for him and the Grizzlies. In the game, Morant played 20 minutes, recording just 6 points and 3 assists on 3-4 shooting from the floor. Team Giannis would pick up the nine-point win.

Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade (2016)

Believe it or not, it has been eight years since the Miami Heat have sent a starter to the NBA All-Star Game. That honor still belongs to Dwyane Wade who earned his final starting spot in 2016 for the Eastern Conference. Wade would see 23 minutes of action in the game and record just 8 points on 4-7 shooting as well as 6 assists. The East was routed by the West by a score of 196-173 thanks to MVP Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry.

Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo (2023)

While Giannis Antetokounmpo has earned yet another starting nod for the 2024 Eastern Conference All-Stars, we have to look back at his 2023 campaign as his last official start. Giannis was named a team captain to go up against LeBron James and added to the show by picking future teammate Damian Lillard with the first pick in the draft. Despite his clear enthusiasm, Giannis would only play 20 seconds of the game as he was nursing an injury and didn’t want to risk further damage. Antetokounmpo would be there in the end to help his team raise the trophy as Team Giannis won 184-175.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Love (2014)

The 2024 All-Star Game will mark the 10th anniversary of the last time we saw a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves starting in the NBA All-Star Game. Back in 2014, Kevin Love was named a starter for his tremendous start to the season with Minnesota. Love would play 32.8 minutes for the West that evening, recording 13 points and 9 rebounds on just 5-11 shooting overall and 2-7 shooting from three. The West would fall to the East by a score of 163-155 and Kyrie Irving was named MVP.

New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson (2021)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkusoLjzyMM

Despite all of the issues he has had with injuries to begin his career, Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans has been an All-Star talent whenever he is healthy. Zion’s start for Team Durant in 2021 is the last time the Pelicans had a starter in the mix, a drought that will continue in 2024. In his first All-Star appearance, Williamson would play a cautious 14 minutes and record 10 points on 5-9 shooting from the floor in a 170-150 loss.

New York Knicks – Carmelo Anthony (2016)

The New York Knicks are yet another team on this list to have their last All-Star Game starter take part in the 2016 edition of the game. That starter for New York and the East that season was Carmelo Anthony during his peak with the team. Anthony would see 23 minutes of action that night and record 13 points on 6-11 shooting from the field. The East was no match for a strong Western Conference team that night, falling handily 196-173.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Paul George (2019)

Until this season when superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named an All-Star starter, the last time the Oklahoma City Thunder had a starter in the All-Star Game was Paul George in 2019. During an MVP-caliber season, George was named a starter for Team Giannis and would go on to play 25 minutes against Team LeBron. George would score 20 points on 7-14 shooting from the floor including 6-12 from three but Team LeBron picked up the win once again, 178-164.

Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard (2012)

Currently, the Orlando Magic have one of the longest droughts in the NBA when it comes to having starters in the NBA All-Star Game. To find the last time they had a player crack the starting lineup, we have to go back to the peak of Dwight Howard in 2012. Despite having one foot out the door in Orlando by this time, Dwight was named a starter for the All-Star Game but put up a dud, recording 9 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes of action. The West would pull out a close 152-149 win and Kevin Durant would be named MVP.

Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid (2023)

During his 2022-23 MVP campaign, it is no surprise that Joel Embiid was also named a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers in the All-Star Game. Embiid, leading the NBA in scoring for the second straight season, would be selected by Team LeBron for the matchup. He would play 27.5 minutes in the game, going for 32 points and 7 rebounds on 14-19 shooting from the floor. Unfortunately, Team Giannis would take the win and steal Embiid’s shine, 184-175.

Phoenix Suns – Steve Nash And Amar’e Stoudemire (2010)

As long as things remain the same as they are now, Kevin Durant will break a 14-year streak of the Phoenix Suns not having a starter in the NBA All-Star Game. The last time the Suns sent starters to the mid-season classic, it was a pair of teammates leading one of the greatest offenses in NBA history. Nash and Stoudemire would each play 20 minutes of the 2010 All-Star Games with the West falling to the East, 141-139. Nash dished out 13 assists while scoring just 4 points and Stoudemire would have 12 points on 5-10 shooting from the floor.

Portland Trail Blazers – LaMarcus Aldridge (2015)

It is hard to believe that in 11 seasons, Damian Lillard was never an All-Star starter while with the Portland Trail Blazers. Their last starting representative in the All-Star Game was forward LaMarcus Aldridge back in 2015. Aldridge had a tremendous season for Portland that year, leading to 18 minutes on the floor as a starter for the West. Aldridge had a good showing with 18 points on 7-11 shooting from the field including a perfect 4-4 from three as the West prevailed 163-158.

Sacramento Kings – Chris Webber (2002)

The Sacramento Kings may have snapped their 17-year-long playoff streak in 2023 but their 22-year-long reign without an All-Star starter remains the second-worst drought in the NBA. To find the Kings’ last All-Star starter, we have to go back to 2002 when Chris Webber was among the best power forwards in the NBA. Webber would play 20 minutes for the West in that year’s game, going for just 8 points and 4 assists on 3-7 shooting. Still, the West would win by 15 points, 135-120, as Kobe Bryant won MVP.

San Antonio Spurs – Kawhi Leonard (2017)

As the leader of the San Antonio Spurs franchise into the future, Kawhi Leonard was coming off a championship, Finals MVP, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2014-2017. Leonard was still playing at a level in 2017 that earned him All-Star starter status for a 61-win Spurs team. In the All-Star Game, Leonard would be cautious, playing just 15 minutes and shooting 2-4 from the field for 4 points.

Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam (2020)

Following a breakout season in 2019 that saw him earn Most Improved Player honors and an NBA championship with the Raptors, Pascal Siakam earned his first All-Star selection as a starter as well. Siakam’s selection resulted in playing for Team Giannis for the All-Star Game where he recorded 15 points and 6 rebounds in just 17.5 minutes on the court. Team LeBron would squeak out a tight win, 157-155 in the end with Kawhi Leonard being named MVP.

Utah Jazz – Lauri Markkanen (2023)

Thanks to an injury to Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, the Utah Jazz broke a 25-year All-Star starter drought in 2023. As Lauri Markkanen took the court as a starter for Team Giannis last season, he became the first All-Star starter from Utah since Karl Malone in 1998. In 25 minutes of action, Markkanen helped Team Giannis pick up a win with 13 points and 7 rebounds on 6-13 shooting from the field. 

Washington Wizards – Bradley Beal (2021)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWP2OHmn-LI

Just three years ago, Bradley Beal was playing at an extremely elite level with the Washington Wizards. Thanks to his torrid start to the season, Beal was named a starter in 2021 in the All-Star Game. Beal would be selected by Team Durant and go on to score 26 points to lead the team. Beal shot 10-16 from the floor and 6-12 from three but it was not enough to take down Team LeBron who won in a blowout, 170-150.