Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are virtual locks for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco. The real intrigue lies in whether the Knicks can secure a third representative.
Towns, the centerpiece of New York’s offseason blockbuster trade, is poised for his fifth All-Star nod and potentially his first career start — assuming he garners enough fan votes. The Knicks’ big man has been dominant in his debut season with the team, averaging 24.3 points and a league-leading 13.5 rebounds while shooting 53.9% from the field and 44.8% from three. He joins elite company after becoming just the fourth player in history to score 50 or more points in an All-Star Game, alongside Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, and Stephen Curry.
Brunson, too, has a strong case for an Eastern Conference starting spot. After narrowly missing out on a starting role last year due to the fan vote, the Knicks captain has elevated his game further this season. He’s averaging 24.5 points and a career-high 7.7 assists on 48.1% shooting, including a career-best 41.8% from beyond the arc. With Brunson and Towns leading the way, the Knicks have solidified themselves as one of the East’s elite.
But can one of their teammates join them in San Francisco? It’s an uphill battle, but there’s a shot.
WHO ELSE HAS A CASE?
MIKAL BRIDGES
After a rocky start to the season, Bridges has been on fire in December, averaging 22.3 points on 57.2% shooting from the field and 46.3% from three. Bridges’ two-way impact, highlighted by his 1.3 steals per game and frequent assignments against top perimeter scorers, makes him a strong candidate.
OG ANUNOBY
The Knicks’ defensive anchor, Anunoby has been invaluable, often guarding the opposition’s best player. He’s averaging 16.5 points on 48% shooting and already boasts a 40-point game this season. With coaches voting for All-Star reserves, Anunoby’s defensive impact could swing some ballots his way.
JOSH HART
The Knicks’ Swiss Army knife, Hart, has been as versatile as ever, averaging 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting a career-high 39.6% from deep. His relentless motor and ability to do a little bit of everything make him an invaluable piece for New York.
THE COMPETITION IN THE EAST
Other top teams in the Eastern Conference also have multiple players vying for All-Star recognition.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The league-leading Cavaliers are guaranteed at least two representatives, with Donovan Mitchell a lock and compelling cases for Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Mobley’s leap under new coach Kenny Atkinson could earn him his first selection.
BOSTON CELTICS
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are surefire picks for the defending champions. However, given the depth of the East, it’s unlikely Boston secures a third All-Star nod, though Derrick White could easily sneak in as a dead-eye three-point shooter and versatile defender.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner have thrust Jalen Suggs into the spotlight. Suggs has stepped up, averaging nearly 20 points per game in December while maintaining his tenacious defense. The real All-Star in Orlando walks the sidelines as head coach. Jamahl Mosley has a Coach of the Year in his future.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a lock as always, but Damian Lillard’s inconsistency and the Bucks’ overall struggles could make his case for a spot less certain.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Joel Embiid remains a perennial All-Star, but his limited availability could pave the way for Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 25.7 points per game, to make his All-Star debut.
THE PATH FOR A THIRD KNICK
For Bridges, Anunoby, or Hart to punch their ticket, the Knicks will need to maintain their hot streak. Winning 16 of their last 20 games has helped solidify their standing as the East’s third-best team, but competition for All-Star spots will be fierce.
If the Knicks keep rolling, one of their versatile stars could edge out other borderline candidates like Bam Adebayo, LaMelo Ball, or Tyrese Haliburton.
PROJECTED EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STARS
STARTERS
C Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK
F Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
F Jayson Tatum, BOS
G Donovan Mitchell, CLE
G Jalen Brunson, NYK
Reserves
G Darius Garland, CLE
G Jalen Suggs, ORL
G Trae Young, ATL; or G Damian Lillard, MIL; or G Derrick White, BOS
G Tyrese Maxey, PHI or G LaMelo Ball, CHA
F Jaylen Brown, BOS
F Evan Mobley, CLE
C Joel Embiid, PHI; C Bam Adebayo, MIA; or F Mikal Bridges
Fan voting concludes on Jan. 20. All-Star starters will be revealed on Jan. 23, with reserves announced on Jan. 30. Knicks fans should keep their fingers crossed — not just for Brunson and Towns, but for the possibility of adding a third star to represent New York in San Francisco.
