De’Aaron Fox replaces Giannis Antetokounmpo at 2026 All-Star Game
De'Aaron Fox officially joins the 2026 All-Star Game. The Spurs point guard replaces the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo in a new format pitting the United States against the rest of the world.
Photo Credit : © Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks officially announced Thursday that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not participate in the 2026 All-Star Game due to his right calf injury. The two-time MVP, who hasn’t played since January 23 in the loss against the Denver Nuggets, gives up his spot to De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver designated Fox as Antetokounmpo‘s replacement for Sunday’s showcase at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome. This selection marks the second All-Star appearance for the 27-year-old point guard, his first since 2023 when he was still playing for Sacramento.
DE’AARON FOX. 2X NBA ALL-STAR. 🤩@Ledger | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/E22Pae3b13
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 12, 2026
A necessary reshuffling between USA and World teams
The withdrawal of Antetokounmpo, initially selected as a Team World starter, required an adjustment to the team rosters. Fox joins the USA Stripes team, while Norman Powell of the Miami Heat moves from the American team to Team World thanks to his ties to Jamaica, which he represented in FIBA competitions.
This season, Fox is averaging 19.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 45 games. He joins his teammate Victor Wembanyama, a Team World starter, and coach Mitch Johnson, who will lead the USA Stripes team.
Antetokounmpo, despite his withdrawal, will still travel to California for the weekend festivities. The 31-year-old, who was averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 30 games this season, will participate as a coach in Friday’s Celebrity Game alongside his brothers Thanasis and Alex, as well as Dodgers star Mookie Betts.
The 2026 All-Star Game will take place Sunday, February 15. This new format will pit three teams in an elimination tournament: two American teams (USA Stars and USA Stripes) and one international team (World), each playing at least two 12-minute games.
2025-2026 Stats / NBA
PTS
19.3
#51
REB
3.8
#198
AST
6.3
#26
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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