San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson didn’t hold back when he shared his unprompted thoughts on the All-Star selections during a recent media session—and his words are sure to spark some heated debates. 'It’s baffling to me that De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle aren’t All-Stars this year,' Johnson boldly stated before the Spurs' matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. 'Here’s the part most people miss: seven teams in the league have multiple All-Stars, yet we’ve held our own against the best of them.'
But here’s where it gets controversial: Johnson’s comments came just hours after Toronto’s Brandon Ingram was named as an injury replacement for Golden State’s Stephen Curry. Ingram, now joining teammate Scottie Barnes in the All-Star lineup, is averaging 22.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Fox—a former All-Star—is putting up 19.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, while Castle has been a force with 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, plus a reputation as one of the league’s toughest defenders. Is it fair that the Spurs, with the NBA’s third-best record (36-16), only have one All-Star in center Victor Wembanyama?
Johnson didn’t stop there. 'If we’re only getting one All-Star, it must mean Victor Wembanyama is a serious MVP contender in a lot of people’s eyes,' he quipped. 'So, thanks for not asking.' This subtle jab raises a bigger question: Are the Spurs being overlooked despite their stellar performance? And if so, why?
The Spurs’ lone All-Star, Wembanyama, has undoubtedly been a standout, but Johnson’s argument highlights a broader issue: How are All-Star selections made, and are they truly reflective of a team’s overall impact? Is it about individual stats, team success, or something else entirely? This isn’t just a Spurs problem—it’s a league-wide conversation waiting to happen. What do you think? Are the All-Star selections fair, or is Mitch Johnson onto something here? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
