The 2019 NBA All-Star Game, held on February 17, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, featured a roster headlined by captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Team LeBron secured a 178–164 victory over Team Giannis, with Kevin Durant earning MVP honors. The rosters were determined through a televised draft involving starters and reserves from both conferences.
The 68th edition of the NBA All-Star Game remains a significant milestone in professional basketball history. It was the second year the league moved away from the traditional Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format, opting instead for a captain-led draft system. As we look back from 2026, the 2019 rosters represent a fascinating bridge between the "Golden State dynasty" era and the rise of the international superstars who dominate the league today.
The 2019 All-Star Selection Process
The selection of the 2019 All-Star rosters followed a rigorous multi-tiered voting system designed to balance the opinions of fans, current players, and the media. Fans accounted for 50% of the vote, while NBA players and a media panel each contributed 25%.
Starter Designations
The top two guards and three frontcourt players from each conference were named starters. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) earned the captaincies by virtue of being the leading vote-getters in the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively.
Reserve Selections
NBA head coaches selected the reserves for their respective conferences, choosing two guards, three frontcourt players, and two "wild cards" at any position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own teams. This process ensured that while popularity fueled the starters, professional merit among peers largely dictated the bench.
The Commissioner’s Special Additions
In a historic first, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver added two "special roster additions" to the game: Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade. This was done to honor their legendary careers, as both players had indicated that the 2018-19 season would be their final year in the league. These additions expanded each roster to 13 players.
The 2019 All-Star Draft: How the Teams Were Built
For the first time in 2019, the All-Star Draft was televised, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at how the captains prioritized talent. LeBron James held the first overall pick in the starter round (due to having the most total votes), while Giannis Antetokounmpo had the first pick in the reserve round.
The Starter Round
LeBron James prioritized veteran scoring and versatility, selecting Kevin Durant with the first overall pick. Giannis followed by selecting Stephen Curry, aiming for perimeter shooting. The draft continued until all eight remaining starters were distributed.
- Team LeBron: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden.
- Team Giannis: Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kemba Walker.
The Reserve Round and the "Simmons-Westbrook Trade"
The draft concluded with a rare "trade." After the rosters were initially set, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed to swap Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook. LeBron wanted the size and playmaking of Simmons, while Giannis felt Westbrook’s high-energy style better suited his squad's identity.
Team LeBron: Roster Breakdown
Team LeBron entered the game as the heavy favorite, boasting a lineup filled with high-IQ playmakers and elite wing defenders.
Starters
- LeBron James (Lakers): Serving as captain, James focused on building a "super-team" roster that mirrored many of his real-world personnel preferences.
- Kevin Durant (Warriors): Durant was the focal point of the offense, eventually scoring 31 points to secure the Kobe Bryant MVP Trophy (then simply the All-Star MVP).
- Kyrie Irving (Celtics): Despite rumors of tension with LeBron at the time, their chemistry on the court remained undeniable.
- Kawhi Leonard (Raptors): In the midst of his historic championship run with Toronto, Leonard provided elite two-way play.
- James Harden (Rockets): The reigning league MVP at the time, Harden’s step-back three-pointer was a primary weapon for this squad.
Reserves
The bench for Team LeBron was equally formidable. It included Anthony Davis (Pelicans), whose pending trade request to the Lakers was the biggest storyline of the weekend. Other reserves included Klay Thompson (Warriors), Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers), Ben Simmons (76ers), LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs), Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves), and Bradley Beal (Wizards). Dwyane Wade joined as the special addition, marking the final time "The Flash" and LeBron would share an All-Star court.
Team Giannis: Roster Breakdown
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strategy focused on length, athleticism, and players who "played hard," which resulted in a team that led for much of the first half.
Starters
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): The "Greek Freak" led all scorers in the game with 38 points, punishing the rim with a series of signature dunks.
- Stephen Curry (Warriors): Curry provided the spacing and "gravity" necessary for Giannis to operate inside.
- Joel Embiid (76ers): Embiid anchored the paint, though the All-Star format rarely emphasizes traditional post defense.
- Paul George (Thunder): George was in the middle of a career-best season, finishing third in MVP voting that year.
- Kemba Walker (Hornets): As the "home-court" representative in Charlotte, Walker received the loudest ovations of the night.
Reserves
The reserves for Team Giannis featured several first-time All-Stars and international talents. This group included Nikola Jokić (Nuggets), Nikola Vučević (Magic), and Khris Middleton (Bucks). They were joined by veterans Russell Westbrook (Thunder), Blake Griffin (Pistons), Kyle Lowry (Raptors), and D'Angelo Russell (Nets), who served as an injury replacement for Victor Oladipo. Dirk Nowitzki rounded out the roster as the legendary special addition.
Complete 2019 All-Star Game Roster Table
The following table details the final rosters after the draft and the Simmons-Westbrook trade.
| Player | Original Team | 2019 All-Star Team | Selection Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | LA Lakers | Team LeBron | Captain / Starter |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee | Team Giannis | Captain / Starter |
| Kevin Durant | Golden State | Team LeBron | Starter |
| Stephen Curry | Golden State | Team Giannis | Starter |
| Kyrie Irving | Boston | Team LeBron | Starter |
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia | Team Giannis | Starter |
| Kawhi Leonard | Toronto | Team LeBron | Starter |
| Paul George | Oklahoma City | Team Giannis | Starter |
| James Harden | Houston | Team LeBron | Starter |
| Kemba Walker | Charlotte | Team Giannis | Starter |
| Anthony Davis | New Orleans | Team LeBron | Reserve |
| Khris Middleton | Milwaukee | Team Giannis | Reserve |
| Klay Thompson | Golden State | Team LeBron | Reserve |
| Nikola Jokić | Denver | Team Giannis | Reserve |
| Damian Lillard | Portland | Team LeBron | Reserve |
| Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City | Team Giannis | Reserve (Traded) |
| Ben Simmons | Philadelphia | Team LeBron | Reserve (Traded) |
| Blake Griffin | Detroit | Team Giannis | Reserve |
| LaMarcus Aldridge | San Antonio | Team LeBron | Reserve |
| D'Angelo Russell | Brooklyn | Team Giannis | Reserve (Injury Repl.) |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota | Team LeBron | Reserve |
| Nikola Vučević | Orlando | Team Giannis | Reserve |
| Bradley Beal | Washington | Team LeBron | Reserve |
| Kyle Lowry | Toronto | Team Giannis | Reserve |
| Dwyane Wade | Miami | Team LeBron | Special Addition |
| Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas | Team Giannis | Special Addition |
Game Highlights and MVP Performance
The 2019 game was a tale of two halves. Team Giannis came out with immense energy, leading by as many as 20 points in the second quarter. Antetokounmpo himself was nearly unstoppable, converting several alley-oops from Stephen Curry, including a memorable bounce-pass lob that went viral.
However, the third quarter saw a massive shift. Team LeBron's bench, led by Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson, began a barrage of three-pointers that erased the deficit. Lillard, in particular, hit several shots from near mid-court, a precursor to the "Logo Dame" era that would define his career in the following years.
Kevin Durant eventually took control in the fourth quarter. Finishing with 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting (including 6-of-9 from three-point range), Durant’s efficiency and clutch scoring allowed Team LeBron to pull away. This was Durant's second All-Star MVP award, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pure scorers in basketball history.
The Significance of the 2019 Selections
The 2019 All-Star rosters are often cited by analysts as a "changing of the guard." While veterans like LeBron and Durant still held the top spots, the inclusion of Nikola Jokić and Ben Simmons signaled the arrival of a new generation of versatile, "positionless" stars.
Injury Replacements and Snubs
No All-Star year is without controversy or injury. Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers) was originally selected as a reserve but was unable to play due to a season-ending ruptured quad tendon. Commissioner Adam Silver selected D'Angelo Russell, then with the Brooklyn Nets, as his replacement. Notable "snubs" from the 2019 rosters included Rudy Gobert (who was visibly emotional about the omission but would go on to win Defensive Player of the Year) and Devin Booker, who was averaging over 24 points per game at the time.
The Farewell of Legends
The inclusion of Wade and Nowitzki provided the emotional backbone of the weekend. During a break in the game, both players were presented with framed commemorative jerseys. Nowitzki showed he still had his signature touch, hitting three consecutive three-pointers early in the game, while Wade connected with LeBron James for one final "Lobs and Shoulders" alley-oop, a nostalgic nod to their Miami Heat championship days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2019 NBA All-Star MVP?
Kevin Durant won the 2019 All-Star MVP. He played for Team LeBron and scored 31 points, shooting 66.7% from the field. This was the second time in his career he earned the honor (the first being in 2012).
Why were Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki on the 2019 rosters?
Commissioner Adam Silver added them as "Special Roster Additions" to honor their contributions to the game. Both players were in their final NBA seasons. This move was widely praised for acknowledging legendary careers without taking a spot away from younger, deserving players.
What was the final score of the 2019 All-Star Game?
The final score was Team LeBron 178, Team Giannis 164. Team LeBron trailed by 13 points at halftime but outscored Team Giannis 96-69 in the second half to secure the win.
Where was the 2019 NBA All-Star Game played?
The game was played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was the second time Charlotte hosted the event, with the first being in 1991 at the old Charlotte Coliseum.
How were the captains chosen for the 2019 game?
The captains were the players who received the most fan votes in their respective conferences. LeBron James led the Western Conference (and the league overall), while Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Eastern Conference.
Recommendations for Fans and Historians
For those looking to relive the 2019 All-Star weekend, focusing on the All-Star Draft broadcast is highly recommended. It serves as a time capsule for player relationships and league dynamics in 2019. Additionally, examining the shooting percentages from this game highlights the league's definitive shift toward the three-point line, as the two teams combined for an incredible 168 three-point attempts.
As of 2026, many of the players on these rosters have moved to different teams or retired, making the 2019 rosters a vital reference point for understanding the trajectory of the modern NBA. For official statistics and play-by-play data, the NBA Official Website and Basketball-Reference remain the most authoritative sources for historical verification.
