MUNICH (Germany) - The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will once again feature some of Europe's greats, with five players taking the spotlight in Los Angeles.
Former league MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece and Nikola Jokic of Serbia are back again, alongside France's Victor Wembanyama, while Slovenia's Luka Doncic makes his return and there's a debut selection for Deni Avdija of Israel.
So, which European players have racked up the most All-Star appearances? Let’s dive in and find out!
Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) - 14
Dirk Nowitzki's legendary NBA career spanned 21 years and three decades, during which he achieved it all. A 2011 NBA champion and Finals MVP, Nowitzki earned 14 All-Star selections, an all-time European record, making his debut in 2002. His final All-Star appearance came in 2019, when he received a special selection in honor of his retirement, celebrating everything the German big man accomplished throughout his career.
Beyond his NBA success, Nowitzki made a major impact on the international stage, leading Germany to a bronze medal at the 2002 FIBA World Cup and a silver medal at the 2005 FIBA EuroBasket, where he was named MVP at both tournaments.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) - 10
One of the biggest stars in modern day basketball, Giannis sure made his mark in the NBA world early. The Greek Freak was first selected for the All-Star game in 2017 and hasn't been left out since, now making it 10 selections in a row with this year's invitation.
The two-time NBA MVP and 2021 NBA champion played a leading role in much of these All-Star appearances - Giannis was named team captain in 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024 games, also winning the NBA All-Star Game MVP accolade in 2021.
Nikola Jokic (Serbia) - 8
Much like Giannis before him, once Nikola Jokic earned his first All-Star nod, he made sure to hold onto it. The Joker has now made eight consecutive All-Star selections, starting in 2019, and it doesn’t look like that streak will end anytime soon.
Still just 30 years old, Jokic has already accomplished more than most could dream of. A two-time Olympic medalist with Serbia, he’s a 2023 NBA champion and Finals MVP, a three-time NBA MVP, and an eight-time All-NBA selection. Not bad for arguably the best player in the world right now.
Pau Gasol (Spain) - 6
Making his All-Star debut in 2006, Pau Gasol quickly became a regular in the event over the next decade. His last All-Star selection came in 2016, when he replaced the injured Jimmy Butler, marking his sixth nod and securing his place on this list.
But Pau's career is about so much more than just All-Star appearances. One of the most decorated European players in history, Gasol boasts two NBA titles and 11 medals with the Spanish national team. His achievements include three EuroBasket titles and two EuroBasket MVP awards, to name just a few.
Tony Parker (France) - 6
Along with Nowitzki and Gasol, Tony Parker is widely regarded as part of the trifecta that paved the way for today’s European NBA stars, who regularly rack up individual awards and All-Star selections. The French playmaker made his NBA All-Star debut in 2006 and enjoyed a streak of three consecutive selections from 2012 to 2014.
Parker is a four-time NBA champion, earning Finals MVP honors in 2007 as a key player in the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. His success extends to the international stage as well, with the FIBA EuroBasket 2013 title, where he also claimed MVP honors.
Luka Doncic (Slovenia) - 6
Doncic ties European greats Gasol and Parker in earning a sixth selection in the All-Star Game. The LA Lakers star has been lighting up the league since being drafted in 2018, and earned a first appearance in 2020. Doncic missed out last year through injury, but returns as a starter for a sixth appearance having continued to shatter records.
Doncic - a FIBA EuroBasket winner with Slovenia in 2017 - was part of a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks last season, and has taken his talents to LA where he continues to put up spectacular numbers - putting up a league best 33.6 points per game through to February.
Who else is featuring in the 2026 edition?
Victory Wembanyama (France) - 2
Back-to-back appearances for Wembanyama after continuing to elevate his game to unbelievable heights. The towering Frenchman is redefining the abilities of a seven-footer and dominating at both ends of the floor. Wembanyama has been the NBA blocks leader for the past two seasons and also exploded onto the senior international scene at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Deni Avdija (Israel) - 1
It's a deserved debut spot for Avdija after a breakout season with Portland Trailblazers. The 25-year-old averaged a more than solid 16.9 points per game last year, but has taken those numbers beyond the 25-point barrier in a huge effort. The rising superstar is set to become the first player from Israel to take part in the NBA All-Star Game.
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