Beyond Brunson and Towns: Which Knicks Have a Real NBA All-Star Case?
According to the first fan returns for NBA all-star voting, the New York Knicks placed five players inside the top 20 in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson ranked third, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns at seventh, OG Anunoby at 13th, with Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart finishing 15th and 16th, respectively. While the Knicks have emerged as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, it remains uncommon for teams to send more than two players to the NBA All-Star Game. Each conference selects only 12 players: four backcourt players, six frontcourt players, and two reserves without position designation. Brunson appears to be a lock for his third NBA all-star appearance as he posts career-best numbers, and with a thinner frontcourt across the conference, Towns is widely expected to earn his sixth nod. The bigger question is whether Anunoby, Bridges, or Hart can join them in Los Angeles this February.
OG Anunoby presents one of the most intriguing cases for a first-time NBA All-Star selection. This season, Anunoby is averaging 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, though his shooting percentages are among the lowest of his career. His true value comes on the defensive end, where he consistently draws assignments against opposing teams’ top offensive threats. A hamstring injury limited him to nine games early in the season, and his offensive production dipped upon his return, which may hurt his chances with voters and media members. However, with injuries sidelining fringe contenders such as Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey and Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, Anunoby’s elite defense could be enough to elevate him into serious consideration.
Mikal Bridges entered New York with significant expectations after previously serving as the primary scoring option for the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 26 points per game over half of the 2023 season. While he has not emerged as a co-star to rival Brunson offensively, Bridges has become a vital piece of the Knicks’ rise. Acquired for five first-round picks during the 2024 offseason, Bridges is averaging 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game while shooting career-best numbers from the field. His inconsistency may be what keeps him from his first NBA all-star appearance, as his scoring fluctuates night to night. Still, with Miami Heat guard Norman Powell cooling off after a strong start to the 2025–26 season, Bridges remains in the conversation for one of the final spots.
Josh Hart’s impact has never been about scoring alone. Since arriving via trade during the 2022–23 season, Hart has become the Knicks’ ultimate glue guy. This season, he is averaging 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal per game on efficient shooting. His popularity with fans has been boosted by his personality, public appearances, and his podcast, “The Roommates Show,” alongside Brunson. Despite that, players averaging modest scoring totals rarely earn NBA all-star selections. Hart’s case has become even more difficult as he has been sidelined with a right ankle sprain since December 27. Also, many all-stars are full-time starters; Hart has started half of his appearances with the Knicks this year. With forwards like Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks establishing themselves as locks, Hart may need others to falter down the stretch for his all-star hopes to remain alive.
