The stage is set for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, and this year’s event brings a fresh twist: a four-team, three-game mini-tournament set for Sunday, Feb. 16, in San Francisco. During Thursday’s All-Star Draft, Inside the NBA analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith each took turns selecting from a pool of 24 elite players.
Team Shaq: Experience Meets Excellence
With the first overall pick, Shaq wasted no time reuniting with his former teammate, LeBron James, anchoring a squad stacked with veteran firepower. The team features fellow Olympic gold medalists Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Davis. With five of the most decorated All-Stars in history—including James (21 selections), Durant (15), Curry (11), Harden (11), and Davis (10)—Team Shaq brings championship pedigree to the competition.
Team Kenny: The Next Generation
Kenny Smith took a different approach, building around rising superstar Anthony Edwards. His roster is brimming with young talent, featuring first-time All-Stars Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Tyler Herro, and Jalen Williams. At an average age of just 24 years and 295 days, Team Kenny represents the league’s future.
Team Chuck: Global Domination
Barkley looked overseas for his squad, selecting six international players, including Victor Wembanyama in his All-Star debut. He also secured four of the top MVP candidates—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić (3rd overall pick), Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Karl-Anthony Towns—positioning Team Chuck as a formidable force.
With a mix of established legends, young stars, and global icons, this new All-Star format promises a thrilling showcase of the NBA’s best talent.
