First-Time All-Stars? A Look at 5 Potential Candidates

This year’s NBA All-Star Game will feature plenty of familiar names and top players from around the league. With so much talent throughout the NBA, it’s difficult for any player to become an All-Star. There are excellent players who don’t make it each year. LeBron James is all but a lock to make his 19th appearance this season, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most all-time. While 19 is incredible, to get there, you have to start with one. Here are five players who have made a strong case to be selected for their first All-Star Game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or SGA, has been a bright spot on a Thunder team hovering just below .500 at this point in the season. The 6-6 combo guard can effectively play point guard and off of the ball. His unique game allows him to score with anyone in the league.

He’s averaging over 30 points per game (PPG) this season, nearly six PPG more than last season. In addition to his scoring, he’s a solid all-around player on both ends of the court. He’s currently averaging 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, a block, and nearly two steals per game.

You won’t see many point guards averaging a block per game, and with his stellar overall season, expect to see SGA selected to his first All-Star Game.

Tyrese Haliburton - Guard, Indiana Pacers

Not too many people would’ve expected Haliburton to make such a major jump after being traded from the Kings to the Pacers at last year’s trade deadline, but Haliburton has been able to thrive for the Pacers this season.

He quickly proved himself to be the best player on the team, averaging just over 20 PPG and leading the NBA in assists at 10.2 per game. He has been one of the best playmakers in the entire league this season, and he has kept the Pacers in contention for the playoffs.

In just his third NBA season, Haliburton has shown that he’s one of the most promising young guards in the league. I’d label Haliburton as probable to make his first All-Star appearance.

Lauri Markkanen - Forward, Utah Jazz

Another player that has taken his game to a new level playing for a new team is Lauri Markkanen. Traded to Utah in the deal that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland, Markkanen and the Jazz have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season.

Expected to finish at the bottom of the standings, the Jazz are currently in position for at least a play-in game. Markkanen has been the best player for the Jazz and is the current favorite to win Most Improved Player.

At nearly 25 PPG and 8.7 rebounds, the versatile 6-11 forward can stretch the floor with his impressive shooting ability. Markkanen’s career year includes highs in most stat categories, including minutes, three-point percentage, and a field goal percentage of 52.1, outstanding for the kinds of shots he’s taking. Markkanen has a decent shot at becoming an All-Star despite the number of talented forwards in the West.

De’Aaron Fox - Guard, Sacramento Kings

Fox is playing some of his best basketball this year, as the Kings will likely end their playoff drought of 16 seasons. He’s averaging 24.2 PPG, along with 6.0 assists. Fox is also posting career-bests in rebounds per game and field goal percentage.

As one of the quickest players in the league, Fox uses his speed to his advantage and is a large part of this year’s turnaround for the Kings. Credit first-year head coach Mike Brown as well for helping Fox and the team gain confidence. Both Fox and fellow teammate Domantas Sabonis are deserving this season, but it might come down to one or the other. Sabonis is already a two-time All-Star.

While Fox might not be selected, there’s no doubt he has a great case as the point guard has led the current three-seed Kings’ remarkable season.

Jalen Brunson - Guard, New York Knicks

Brunson is probably the least likely of these five to make their first All-Star appearance, but like Fox, Brunson does have an argument.

The Knicks signed Brunson in the off-season to a four-year, $104 million contract. The Knicks finished 11th in the Eastern Conference last season and missed the playoffs, but with Brunson this season, they’ve improved and are currently the seven seed.

The Knicks have had their ups and downs this year, but Brunson has been very consistent for them, posting career-highs in points and assists at 22.5 and 6.3, respectively. Like Fox and Sabonis, Brunson and teammate Julius Randle will be on the cusp of getting a spot, and one might get it over the other. Randle was a 2021 All-Star and also won Most Improved Player that year. Regardless, Brunson is having a great year whether or not he gets selected.

The All-Star starters and captains for each conference will be announced Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM ET on TNT. The reserves will also be announced on TNT on Thursday, February 2.