Spurs’s De’Aaron Fox named as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s replacement for 2026 NBA All-Star Game

The 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game will be missing one of its brightest stars, as it was confirmed that Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will sit out the showcase event while recovering from a calf strain.

Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since injuring his right calf during the Bucks’ narrow 100-102 loss to the Denver Nuggets at home in Fiserv Forum on January 24 (Philippine Standard Time). The team confirmed in an official statement that their franchise cornerstone will be unable to participate in the highly anticipated All-Star Game in Inglewood, California, a significant absence for fans eager to see the reigning league superstar in action.

While Antetokounmpo’s absence is undoubtedly a disappointment, it has created an opportunity for another rising star to shine on basketball’s biggest midseason stage. San Antonio Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox has been named as Antetokounmpo’s replacement by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, joining the ranks of the league’s elite performers in this year’s showcase.

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“Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox has been named by NBA commissioner Adam Silver to replace Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Fox joins USA Stripes. Heat guard Norman Powell, with ties to Jamaica, moves from USA Stripes to Team World. Antetokounmpo is out with a calf strain,” the NBA confirmed in an official statement.

DE’AARON FOX. 2X NBA ALL-STAR. 🤩@Ledger | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/E22Pae3b13

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 12, 2026

Fox has been enjoying a standout season for the Spurs, currently averaging 19.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His inclusion alongside San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama gives the Spurs two representatives in this year’s All-Star festivities, highlighting the franchise’s growing prominence and talent pipeline.

A fifth overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2017 NBA Draft, Fox quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier young guards. He famously joined the legendary Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to score at least 109 points over two days, an early career milestone that foreshadowed his scoring prowess.

Fox was traded to the Spurs in February 2025 and has continued to impress with his playmaking and leadership. Among his accolades, he was named NBA Clutch Player of the Year in 2023 and led the league in steals in 2024, demonstrating his ability to impact both ends of the court. With his second All-Star selection now confirmed, Fox is poised to make a statement on basketball’s brightest stage.

The All-Star Game, set to take place in Inglewood, California, promises to feature high-flying dunks, pinpoint shooting, and elite playmaking. Fans will be eager to see Fox team up with some of the NBA’s biggest names, including reigning MVPs, scoring leaders, and defensive standouts, as the game continues to serve as a celebration of the league’s top talent.

While Antetokounmpo recovers from his calf strain, Fox’s elevation to the All-Star roster underscores the depth of rising talent in the NBA and offers him a unique opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage. The Spurs guard, known for his speed, agility, and clutch performances, will now carry the hopes of both his franchise and a growing national fan base eager to see him shine among the league’s elite.

With the stage set, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be an unforgettable showcase of both veteran excellence and emerging stars, proving that even in the absence of one superstar, the league’s next generation is ready to rise.

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