The NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 16, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco, but the event will proceed without one of their biggest stars. The Milwaukee Bucks ruled out forward Giannis Antetokounmpo after he suffered a left calf strain, and his injury will sideline the nine-time All-Star for two to three weeks.
In Antetokounmpo’s absence, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has selected Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young as his replacement on Team Chuck, the squad drafted by TNT analyst Charles Barkley. Young’s selection will be his fourth All-Star appearance, having previously been named in 2020, 2022, and 2024. The 25-year-old point guard is putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 23.5 points and a league-leading 11.4 assists per game across 49 contests.
Atlanta's Trae Young has replaced Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2025
Although Young showcased stellar playmaking abilities, the selectors initially omitted him from the roster, a decision many considered one of the biggest snubs in the selection process. His absence led to significant backlash, and Young himself expressed disappointment on social media before Silver named him as an injury replacement.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game format has also undergone significant changes. Rather than the traditional single-game format, this year will feature a four-team, three-game mini-tournament. Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal drafted the three main All-Star teams, while the fourth squad comprised players from the Rising Stars Challenge. Team Chuck built its roster around big men, but adding Young balances the team by providing the much-needed perimeter shooting and playmaking.
Trae Young’s Impact And What It Means For Team Chuck
Young’s presence on Team Chuck brings a different dynamic compared to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fans celebrate the Bucks superstar for dominating the paint and transition play, although Young thrives as a perimeter-oriented playmaker with a deep shooting range. He is currently shooting 40.9% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc, making him a valuable floor-spacer and distributor for a team that already includes international stars such as Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama.
In addition to his offensive skills, Young leads the NBA in assists per game (11.4), well ahead of Jokić (10.3), showcasing his elite passing ability. His knack for creating scoring opportunities for teammates will be especially crucial in an All-Star setting that traditionally features minimal defensive resistance and high-scoring affairs. Expect Young to play the role of facilitator, setting up alley-oops and highlight-reel passes to his high-flying teammates throughout the tournament.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Trae Young is not the only injury replacement expected for the event. An adductor strain has sidelined Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, and the league has not yet announced his replacement. Team Shaq drafted Davis, and the team features star veterans such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Even without Antetokounmpo and Davis, these roster adjustments promise that the 2025 All-Star Game will dazzle with excitement and elite talent.
Also Read: 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend: Find Out About The Sharpshooters Competing In The Three-Point Contest
