The wider picture
The Shooting Stars event, first introduced in 2004, is making a comeback after a decade-long absence, and this year, it will feature notable players including Karl-Anthony Towns. The event is part of the All-Star Weekend festivities, which will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2026. Towns, who was born in New Jersey, has become a prominent figure in the NBA and is known for his contributions to the Dominican Republic’s national basketball team.
Towns has represented the Dominican Republic in international play since he was 16, showcasing his commitment to his heritage. His participation in the Shooting Stars event is particularly significant as it highlights his dual identity as both an American-born player and a representative of the Dominican Republic. The event will not only allow him to showcase his skills but also to connect with fans and promote basketball in his home country.
In addition to Towns, the event will feature other basketball stars, including Jalen Brunson and Allan Houston, who will also represent the New York Knicks. However, it is noteworthy that the Knicks will not have participants in the Slam Dunk Contest or the 3-point shooting competition this year, which has raised some eyebrows among fans. The absence of Knicks players in these popular events may shift the focus to the Shooting Stars event, where Towns will aim to make a significant impact.
The All-Star Game itself will feature a new format this year, with three teams competing: two American teams and one World team. This change aims to enhance the competitive spirit of the game and provide a fresh experience for fans. Towns’ involvement in the Shooting Stars event aligns with this new direction, as it emphasizes the growing importance of international players in the NBA.
