James Harden and Austin Reaves are among the most likely candidates to replace injured Stephen Curry in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
With Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry reportedly unable to participate in the upcoming NBA All-Star Game due to injury, the league is now forced to look for a replacement.
Several players were left out of the All-Star Game in the initial roster announcement, but there have already been a few changes. Kawhi Leonard was selected to fill one of Team USA's open roster spots, while injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was replaced by Alperen Sengun on Team World.
With the current NBA All-Star Game format in mind, and excluding Lauri Markkanen who would represent Team World, here are the top candidates to replace Steph Curry on USA Stripes roster:
1. James Harden
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Harden has been playing his best season since his days with the Houston Rockets and is among the favorites to replace Curry.
The newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers is averaging 25.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, shooting 42.1% from the field.
Before being traded to Cleveland, Harden helped the Clippers climb out of the hole they dug earlier in the season, and he is more than deserving of an All-Star selection.
2. Austin Reaves
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Despite missing over a month with an injury, Reaves has shown incredible improvement this season and is one of the most exciting guards to watch in the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard is averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6 assists in 27 games this season, shooting 50.8% from the field and 36.3% from three.
He would be the third Lakers player in the All-Star Game, but with the event being held in Los Angeles, this could work in his favor for a commissioner's pick.
3. Brandon Ingram
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Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram is definitely deserving of recognition and should be considered for the All-Star Game.
Ingram is averaging 22 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season, helping the Raptors become one of the biggest surprises of the year.
Toronto currently ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 32-22 record.
4. Michael Porter Jr.
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Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is having a career year in his first season with his new team and is another player who could be considered as a replacement for Curry.
The 27-year-old is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, although his team is struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 15-37 record.
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