The Oklahoma City Thunder's rising star Chet Holmgren is poised for a packed schedule during the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, as league officials have confirmed his participation in both the newly formatted All-Star Game and the popular Saturday night skill competitions.
The 7-foot center will represent the Thunder in the Shooting Stars challenge, a fan-favorite event that pairs current NBA players with league legends in a high-pressure shooting competition. Holmgren has been assigned to Team All-Star, where he'll join forces with Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and three-time NBA champion Richard Hamilton, creating an intriguing mix of youth and championship experience.
Event Format and Structure
The Shooting Stars competition has undergone significant changes for 2026, featuring four distinct teams, each composed of two active NBA players and one retired legend. The event operates as a timed shooting drill spanning two rounds, with teams competing individually rather than simultaneously.
Each squad receives precisely 70 seconds to attempt shots from seven designated locations on the court, with all three members required to shoot from each spot before advancing. The cumulative score across all locations determines the first-round standings, with only the top two teams advancing to the final round for a head-to-head showdown to crown the champion.
This format emphasizes both individual accuracy and team coordination, as players must quickly transition between positions while maintaining shooting rhythm under the clock's pressure. The seven shooting stations are strategically placed around the court, typically including the corner three-point spots, wing areas, top of the key, and a half-court shot for maximum points.
Competing Teams and Notable Participants
Beyond Holmgren's Team All-Star, the competition features three other compelling trios:
Team Cameron brings together Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, Duke University standout Kon Knueppel, and former NBA sharpshooter Corey Maggette. This combination blends emerging talent with a veteran known for his scoring prowess during his playing days. Maggette's experience in pressure situations could prove invaluable during the timed competition.
Team Harper creates a family affair, featuring Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, Toronto Raptors wing Ron Harper Jr., and their father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper. This unique father-sons dynamic adds an emotional narrative to the competition that fans are sure to embrace. The elder Harper's championship experience with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Team Knicks represents New York with a powerful trio: current Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, newly acquired center Karl-Anthony Towns, and franchise legend Allan Houston, whose smooth jump shot made him a fan favorite during his playing career. Houston's participation adds a nostalgic element for Knicks fans, while Brunson and Towns represent the franchise's current championship aspirations.
Thunder's Solo Representation
The Oklahoma City Thunder organization will have Holmgren as its sole participant during All-Star weekend, as superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss the festivities due to an abdominal strain that requires a minimum five-game recovery period. This injury represents a significant setback for the Thunder, who had hoped to showcase both of their franchise cornerstones on the national stage.
Gilgeous-Alexander's absence places additional spotlight on Holmgren, who will carry the team's banner alone in Los Angeles. The second-year big man has embraced an expanded role this season, demonstrating versatility as both a rim protector and a perimeter threat—skills that should serve him well in the Shooting Stars competition. His ability to shoot from distance while possessing the height to contest shots inside makes him a unique asset in this format.
Venue and Weekend Schedule
The 2026 NBA All-Star weekend will unfold from February 13-15 at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the new home of the LA Clippers. The Saturday night events, including the Shooting Stars challenge, will serve as the centerpiece of the weekend's entertainment, leading into Sunday's revolutionary three-team tournament that has replaced the traditional East vs. West All-Star Game format.
The league's decision to revamp All-Star weekend stems from declining television ratings and fan engagement in recent years. By introducing more competitive elements and star-studded skill challenges, NBA executives hope to recapture the event's former glory and create must-see television programming. The Intuit Dome's modern facilities and Los Angeles' vibrant basketball culture provide the perfect backdrop for this reimagined celebration of the sport.
Holmgren's Rising Profile
Holmgren's inclusion in the Shooting Stars challenge underscores his growing reputation as one of the league's most versatile big men. His unique skill set—combining elite shot-blocking with three-point shooting range—makes him an ideal candidate for a competition that rewards both accuracy and adaptability across various court positions.
The opportunity to compete alongside a seasoned veteran like Richard Hamilton provides invaluable experience for the young center. Hamilton, known for his relentless off-ball movement and mid-range mastery during his championship runs with the Detroit Pistons, can offer insights into maintaining composure under pressure—wisdom that could prove crucial during the timed competition. The former shooting guard's work ethic and precision have become legendary among NBA circles.
Strategic Implications for Team All-Star
Team All-Star's composition suggests a balanced approach to the competition. Barnes brings athleticism and improving outside touch, while Hamilton contributes championship pedigree and proven shooting mechanics. Holmgren's length and soft shooting touch should prove advantageous on longer-distance shots, particularly from the top of the key and wing positions.
The team's success will likely depend on their ability to establish a quick rhythm and minimize missed attempts that waste precious seconds. With only 70 seconds to complete all seven stations, efficiency becomes paramount—there's little margin for error or extended shooting slumps. Teams that can quickly move between spots while maintaining accuracy will have the best chance to advance.
Broader All-Star Weekend Changes
The 2026 event represents the NBA's most significant All-Star format overhaul in decades. The traditional Sunday game has been replaced by a three-team round-robin tournament, creating a more competitive environment that incentivizes actual defensive effort and strategic play. This shift reflects player and fan feedback demanding more meaningful competition during the league's midseason showcase.
The Saturday night programming has similarly been reimagined, with the Shooting Stars challenge serving as the anchor event. By incorporating NBA legends alongside current stars, the league creates intergenerational appeal while giving fans opportunities to see retired favorites compete in a lighthearted yet competitive setting. This approach bridges generations of basketball fans and creates unique storytelling opportunities.
Fan Engagement and Television Appeal
The timed nature of the Shooting Stars challenge creates inherent drama, as audiences can track each team's progress against the clock. The inclusion of family narratives, such as the Harpers, and franchise legends like Allan Houston, provides storytelling elements that transcend pure basketball skill. These human interest angles help broaden the event's appeal beyond hardcore basketball enthusiasts.
For the Thunder organization, Holmgren's participation offers crucial national exposure during a season where Oklahoma City has emerged as a legitimate championship contender. His performance in Los Angeles could further elevate his profile among casual fans who may not regularly watch Thunder games. The national stage provides an opportunity to showcase the team's young core and bright future.
Looking Ahead
As Holmgren prepares for his busy All-Star weekend, the experience could serve as a springboard for future appearances in other Saturday events, such as the Three-Point Contest or Skills Challenge. His well-rounded game makes him a candidate for multiple competitions in coming years, provided he continues developing at his current trajectory. The confidence gained from competing against the league's best in a pressure environment can translate to improved performance in crucial regular season and playoff moments.
The abdominal injury to Gilgeous-Alexander, while disappointing in the short term, highlights the Thunder's depth and resilience. Oklahoma City has navigated injuries to key players throughout the season, with Holmgren's durability and improvement providing stability during challenging stretches. The team's ability to remain competitive without its MVP candidate speaks to the quality of the roster construction.
Conclusion
Chet Holmgren's dual participation in the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend represents both a personal achievement and an organizational milestone for the Oklahoma City Thunder. As he takes the court for the Shooting Stars challenge alongside Scottie Barnes and Richard Hamilton, Holmgren will have the opportunity to showcase his unique talents on a national stage while honoring the Thunder franchise as its sole representative.
The revamped All-Star format promises heightened competition and entertainment value, with Holmgren positioned as a key figure in the league's efforts to reinvigorate its midseason celebration. For Thunder fans, his performance will provide a source of pride and excitement, even as they await Gilgeous-Alexander's return to full health. The weekend serves as a testament to the Thunder's successful rebuild and bright future in the Western Conference landscape.