3 players shockingly snubbed as 2026 NBA Eastern Conference All-Star starters, featuring Donovan Mitchell

The Eastern Conference NBA All-Star starters were announced Monday. This season’s lineup is different from the usual slate. For this year’s All-Star event, the East’s starters are Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks).

Some fans believed additional players were left out once the league revealed the starting lineup. Here are three players who were snubbed among the starting five for the upcoming All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

---

3 players scandalously snubbed from NBA Eastern Conference All-Star starting lineup

#3 Karl-Anthony Cities

Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t been at his best this season. Compared to his performance from the previous campaign, the New York Knicks star was disappointing. In 39 games, the Knicks star averaged 20.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

The last time Towns averaged 20.9 points per game was during the 2022-23 season. But that was because he suffered from injuries, which explained his low average. This season, KAT has been pretty healthy, having only missed three games so far.

Although he was not named an NBA All-Star, he could be voted in by the coaches as a reserve.

---

#2 Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. was on a tear during his first season with the Brooklyn Nets. For the first time in his career, Porter is averaging 25.8 points per game. The former Missouri star has always been a big scorer. But sharing the rock with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray limited his touches during his six-year stint with the Denver Nuggets.

Many fans believe Porter deserves to be an NBA All-Star this season. But with the Nets’ 12-28 record, the team hasn’t received enough attention. Brooklyn’s lack of success could have played a role in MPJ not being voted in by fans as a starter.

Just like the case of Towns, the Nets star could be elected by the coaches as a reserve.

---

#1 Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been a disappointing team this season, but Donovan Mitchell has maintained his All-Star level of play. The Cavs are 24-19, a far cry from the strong campaign the team had last season. But Mitchell is not to blame for this.

In 39 games, the Cavaliers star averaged a career-high 29.2 points per game on 48.9 percent shooting. Mitchell did his best to keep the team competitive, but it wasn’t enough for him to be voted an NBA All-Star. The six-time All-Star could be the biggest snub in the Eastern Conference.

Compared to Towns and Porter, Mitchell has a better chance of being named a reserve. Fans may not see him start the game, but he will likely put on a show in Los Angeles.