Every single season there are a few players that crack through and become first time All-Stars. For example, LaMelo Ball last season and Zion Williamson the year prior. Becoming an NBA All-Star is a huge accomplishment for players and becomes pretty important when talking about Hall of Fame careers.
Let’s get into some potential first-time All Stars this season…
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG, Thunder
I mean it’s pretty obvious right? Shai is playing like arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA right now. The way he’s able to control the pace of the offense and score at will, he’s an easy choice to become a first-time All-Star this season. He’s currently averaging 31.1 PPG while shooting over 50% from the field and nearly 40% from three. A true superstar in the making.
Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Pacers
Haliburton should be a cemented All-Star this season and could potentially even make the starting lineup with the way he’s been playing this season. He’s currently leading the league in assists per game (10.7) while averaging over 20 points per game. He’s got the highest win shares in the Eastern Conference for a point guard and 9th total in the league.
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Jazz
It might be a little tough for Markkanen to make the All-Star game with talent around the Western conference, but he definitely deserves to make it. The Jazz are one of the best teams in the league and Markkanen has been consistently their best player and the biggest reason why.
He’s averaging over 22 points per game and shown flashes of being consistent offensively and being the #1 option on a top team. It would be a crime to leave out Markkanen out of the All-Star game if the Jazz keep up this type of production.
De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kings
De’Aaron Fox has won Western Conference Player of the Week while the Kings have been one of the best teams in the league as of recent. Fox has carried the offensive load and looks to be a threat every time he touches the ball with his elite speed. He’s averaging 25.9 PPG and shooting an insane 55.5% from the field and over 40% from three (career high). If he can sustain this type of production, watch out for the Kings.
Myles Turner, C, Pacers
You might be surprised by this… but honestly, you shouldn’t be. Myles Turner is averaging 17.5 PPG (career high), 8.5 RPG (career high), and leading the league in blocks for the Pacers right now. The Pacers are currently 10-6 and 8-3 when Myles Turner plays this season.
He’s arguably the biggest reason they’ve been so successful as he’s consistently been the defensive anchor. In the past 10 games, the Pacers are the 7th best defensive team in the league and in the games Turner hasn’t played… the worst. If Turner keeps up this type of production and continues to lead the league in blocks, he should be a sure-fire All Star center.
