Nikola Jokic has been selected as an NBA All-Star for the eighth consecutive year, affirming his status as one of the league’s elite players. The announcement, made on Monday, highlights Jokic’s remarkable performance this season, particularly in the Western Conference. Despite currently recovering from a bone bruise in his left knee, Jokic remains a pivotal figure for the Denver Nuggets, with a notable average of 29.6 points per game.
Jokic’s All-Star Streak and Current Performance
Jokic’s latest recognition extends his streak of All-Star appearances, placing him third on the list of active players, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo with ten selections and LeBron James with twenty-one. The announcement of the All-Star starters comes as part of a new format introduced by the NBA, with results determined through a combination of fan, player, and media voting.
As the season progresses, Jokic is not only matching his career-high scoring rate but is also leading the league in rebounds with 12.2 per game, assists at 11, and true shooting percentage at 71.3%. His shooting accuracy has also seen an impressive rise, hitting 60.5% from the field and 43.5% from beyond the arc.
Jokic, who will celebrate his 31st birthday just days after the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, is set to participate in a round-robin tournament featuring 12-minute games, pending his recovery. His optimism regarding the event’s appeal is cautious, as he previously remarked, “Maybe it’s gonna be bad like every other year.”
Impact of Injuries and Team Performance
While Jokic’s All-Star status is secure, his ongoing knee issue raises concerns about his eligibility for end-of-year awards, which require players to participate in at least 65 games. Having already missed eleven games, Jokic can only afford to be sidelined for six more to qualify for these accolades. The Nuggets have managed to maintain a strong performance in his absence, winning seven of their first eleven games without him.
As the All-Star weekend approaches, there is speculation about whether his teammate, Jamal Murray, will join him as an All-Star. Murray’s fate will be determined when head coaches select the remaining 14 players on February 1, 2026.
This season, Jokic has also made history by becoming the third player and first center in NBA history to average a triple-double. He is on track to replicate this feat, having recorded 16 triple-doubles in just 32 games thus far. His impressive statistics place him just five rebounds and two assists away from tying Oscar Robertson for second place in career triple-doubles, with a current total of 181.
The announcement of the All-Star starters, including Jokic at center, signifies his ongoing contributions to the sport and the Nuggets’ aspirations this season. The full list of starters includes:
NBA All-Star 2026: West Starters
Nikola Jokic (C), Denver Nuggets
Luka Doncic (G), Los Angeles Lakers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G), Oklahoma City Thunder
Steph Curry (G), Golden State Warriors
Victor Wembanyama (C), San Antonio Spurs
NBA All-Star 2026: East Starters
Giannis Antetokounmpo (F), Milwaukee Bucks
Jalen Brunson (G), New York Knicks
Cade Cunningham (G), Detroit Pistons
Tyrese Maxey (G), Philadelphia 76ers
Jaylen Brown (F), Boston Celtics
As this season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Jokic as he strives to return to full health and continue his impactful career in the NBA.
