Spurs' Barnes Blasts NBA for Snubbing Castle, Fox from All-Star Game

Veteran forward says it would be "criminal" if Spurs' rising stars don't get All-Star consideration.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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San Antonio Spurs veteran Harrison Barnes expressed outrage that teammates Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox were not selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, despite the Spurs' strong record and the players' impressive individual stats this season.

Why it matters

The All-Star selection process is closely watched by players, teams, and fans as recognition of the league's top talent. Barnes' criticism highlights the perceived snub of the Spurs' young stars, who have helped propel the team to second place in the Western Conference standings.

The details

When Golden State's Stephen Curry was ruled out of the All-Star Game, it opened up a roster spot that the NBA filled by selecting Toronto's Brandon Ingram instead of the Spurs' Castle or Fox. Barnes argued that either Castle or Fox deserved the nod over Ingram, given the Spurs' superior record and the individual production of the two Spurs players.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters were announced on February 11, 2026.

The players

Harrison Barnes

A veteran forward for the San Antonio Spurs who has played in the NBA since 2012.

Stephon Castle

A rising star for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game this season.

De'Aaron Fox

The Spurs' starting point guard, averaging 19.3 points, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his ninth NBA season.

Brandon Ingram

A forward for the Toronto Raptors who was selected to replace the injured Stephen Curry in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' rookie sensation who was already selected to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

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What they’re saying

“It would be criminal if him [Castle] and Fox didn't get a look. We're No. 2 in the West. I think for what we've done, for the teams that are below us that had two All-Stars, I don't know a case if we're talking about impact on winning and playing high-level basketball, why either of them shouldn't be selected and/or highly under consideration for those spots.”

— Harrison Barnes, Spurs Forward (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The NBA will hold the 2026 All-Star Game on February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The Spurs' strong season and the impressive individual performances of Castle and Fox have them feeling slighted by the NBA's All-Star selections, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the process.