Earlier this offseason, the NBA announced that it is changing its All-Star game format (once again), this time trying out a US-vs-World approach. Recently, Shams Charania reported that this format will "likely" consist of three teams of eight, with two of the three being from the US. The three teams will play in a round-robin style tournament.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game format is likely to feature a round-robin tournament consisting three eight-player squads of two USA teams and one World team, sources tell ESPN. NBA and players union presented format to the Competition Committee on Wednesday and response was positive. pic.twitter.com/xuR46pVYyu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 3, 2025
Although this format is somewhat confusing, it clearly gives Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert a chance to make his fourth All-Star team. Gobert hasn't made an All-Star team since his Utah Jazz days, but this new format boosts his chances.
Gobert's path to being named an All-Star is now clearer
Last season, there were six international All-Stars (Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, Pascal Siakam, and Alperen Şengün). The majority of this bunch should repeat as All-Stars, and with Luka Dončić fully healthy, he'll likely snag an extra spot. However, the last spot is fairly open, and Gobert has a good chance to earn it.
Franz Wagner, Joel Embiid (health permitting), Domantas Sabonis, and Ivica Zubac will give Gobert some tough competition. Nevertheless, it's not guaranteed that Şengün will be an All-Star again, especially with Amen Thompson possibly taking another leap.
If the Wolves rise up in the standings, and Gobert's defensive dominance continues, it could lead him to earn one of these eight All-Star spots. Depending on how the year plays out, Gobert may have a clear All-Star case.
Sure, the 33-year-old has shown some decline on offense, notably averaging his fewest points (12) since his third season last year. Regardless, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year remains an elite rim protector and dominant defender. The Wolves feel poised to have a more successful season than last year, and Gobert will be a big part of that. If the Wolves are one of the best teams in the West, they could command a second All-Star alongside Anthony Edwards.
Gobert's defense allows him to impact winning at the highest level. This is something that's often factored into All-Star voting. In the 2023-24 season, Gobert won his fourth DPOY award. And if Gobert continues this level of elite defense and the Wolves win at a high level, it's not far-fetched that he could earn an All-Star selection.
Overall, Gobert is far from guaranteed to earn an All-Star spot. However, this new format makes his path easier than the traditional West/East format. Undoubtedly, another All-Star appearance (especially at his age) would bolster Gobert's already stellar Hall of Fame case.