Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell Overlooked for 2026 NBA All-Star Starting Lineup
Donovan Mitchell, a prominent player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a leading MVP candidate, has been overlooked for the 2026 NBA All-Star starting lineup. Announced recently, Mitchell was not selected as a starter for the Eastern Conference, despite his impressive statistics and performance this season.
Mitchell’s Competition for All-Star Selection
This year’s All-Star starters were determined by a combination of fan voting, media input, and player votes. Notable players who secured starting positions over Mitchell include:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Antetokounmpo was the top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference, while Mitchell finished sixth in the voting across all groups. Fan votes accounted for 50% of the total, with players and media each contributing 25%.
Mitchell’s Performance This Season
Throughout the current season, Mitchell has averaged impressive stats in 39 games, including:
- Points: 29.2 (career-best)
- Field Goal Percentage: 48.9%
- 3-Point Percentage: 39.1%
- Assists: 5.7
- Rebounds: 4.8
He leads the league in second-half scoring and is tied for the most 30-point games in the conference. Despite the Cavaliers’ rocky start, currently sitting at 24-19 and fifth in the East, Mitchell has been a stabilizing force. The team’s net rating is significantly better when he is on the court, underscoring his impact.
Future Outlook for Mitchell
As Mitchell aims for his seventh consecutive All-Star appearance, he is hopeful for a reserve spot for the upcoming All-Star Game in Los Angeles, scheduled for February 15, 2026. NBA coaches will select 14 reserves, with results to be announced shortly.
Upcoming All-Star Format Changes
This year’s All-Star Game will feature a new format: two U.S. teams and one international “World” team. This round-robin tournament will include a minimum of 24 players, and the NBA Commissioner may intervene to ensure adequate representation if the voting results do not meet the required numbers.
With Mitchell’s exceptional performance this season, many fans and analysts believe he deserves consideration for a reserve position. His contributions to the Cavaliers make him a standout choice among this year’s candidates.
