Thinking Basketball #361: 2026 Sub All-Stars!
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Feb 11, 2026 They build the annual sub all-star list, deciding which near-elite players move the needle but fall short of All-Star status. Rookies like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel are evaluated for immediate impact. Durability, playoff scalability, and defensive value shape tough borderline calls. Wings, guards, and bigs are debated with numerous honorable mentions and surprise omissions.
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Downhill Creation Needs Defensive Proof
- Young, high-upside players with size and downhill finishing (e.g., Deni Avdija) can straddle All-Star lines based on defense.
- Offensive flashes matter, but defensive consistency and team fit determine All-Star elevation.
Require A Superpower For True All-Star Worthiness
- Don't reward jack-of-all-trades players as All-Stars unless they bring a true superpower like elite defense.
- For players like Jalen Johnson, prioritize a clear impact (defense, scoring or playmaking) to justify All-Star status.
Inconsistent Health Hits Credibility
- Injury history and inconsistent availability materially lower a player's playoff trustworthiness and All-Star candidacy.
- The hosts specifically treat recurring injuries as a meaningful penalty in evaluations.
