NBA’s Emerging First-Time All-Star Candidates: Top Picks, Close Contenders, and Long Shots

In 2026, six players—Deni Avdija, Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Jamal Murray, and Norm Powell—made their All-Star debuts. Looking ahead to 2027, here are the top 24 players with potential to earn their first All-Star nods, organized by tiers.

Best Bets

• Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks2025-26 Stats: 21.0 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 4.5 APG | Scored 51 points at age 19The Case: Flagg averaged 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over his last 26 full games last season. He ranked among the top 15-20 players for a stretch in his rookie year. With Kyrie Irving back, his efficiency could improve further. Even without Irving, Year 2 could bring significant growth.The Hurdle: If the Mavericks struggle again or Kyrie's return falls short, team success might limit Flagg’s chances of being selected despite his talent.
• Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets2025-26 Stats: 16.2 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 2.7 APG | 38.9% 3PTThe Case: Gordon began last season averaging 20.3 points on 45.2% from three while providing strong defense before a hamstring injury halted him. His expanded scoring methods showed promise, including more off-the-dribble plays and isolation moves. Staying healthy could mean back-to-back seasons with new All-Stars for Denver.The Hurdle: Health remains a concern, and even if Gordon stays on court, he must produce enough scoring opportunities to stand out.
• Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers2025-26 Stats: 23.3 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 5.5 APG | 64.1% TSThe Case: Reaves averaged 28.9 points through his first 18 games last season, showing All-Star level play before injury. When paired with Luka Dončić, he averaged nearly 20 points per 75 possessions with excellent shooting efficiency, and he dominated even more when Luka rested.The Hurdle: While competitive on defense, opponents may target Reaves as a defensive weakness, which could hold back multiple Lakers from All-Star consideration.
• Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets2025-26 Stats: 18.3 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 5.3 APG | 3.0 OREBThe Case: Thompson was Defensive Player of the Year in 2024-25 and made the All-Defensive second team last season. He became an 18-point scorer and impacts many facets of the game. This year might be when he breaks through as an All-Star.The Hurdle: His 3-point shooting remains weak at just 21.6%. Without improvement, defenses will keep backing off, limiting scoring potential.
• Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic2025-26 Stats: 20.6 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 3.3 APG | Played 34 GamesThe Case: Wagner shoots free throws at 82.3% and floaters at 51.6%, skills consistent since college. He can score inside, pass well, rebound, defend, and do the gritty work. If his 3-point shot improves this year, expect a big jump in scoring.The Hurdle: Despite five years in the league, his jumper hasn’t developed much. Maybe it never will.
• Coby White, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 17.4 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 4.0 APG | 36.2% 3PTThe Case: White should get more space to drive and has shown strong 3-point shooting. Without LaMelo Ball, he averaged 33.2 points and 7.2 assists per 75 possessions in limited minutes last season, suggesting potential to shine.The Hurdle: White previously hovered around 20 points per game, so last season's spike might have been a temporary boost from defenses not focusing on him.

Players Knocking on the Door

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks2025-26 Stats: 20.8 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.7 APG | 39.9% 3PTThe Case: He doubled his scoring last season and offers elite shooting, solid passing, and versatility. Leading Team Canada in pick-and-rolls hints at rising usage.The Hurdle: His scoring mostly comes off-ball. Isolation and pick-and-roll scoring need major improvements to sustain growth.
• Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 7.4 APG | Recorded a 40-point triple-doubleThe Case: Castle is an elite defender who can score in bursts. Improved pull-up shooting could elevate him beyond All-Star status.The Hurdle: Consistent shooting has eluded him since high school. Sharing backcourt with Fox and Harper might limit touches.
• Keyonte George, Utah Jazz2025-26 Stats: 23.6 PPG | 3.7 RPG | 6.1 APG | 37.1% 3PTThe Case: George posted borderline All-Star numbers with 60.9% true shooting. A stronger supporting cast may boost his assist totals and scoring.The Hurdle: Defensive struggles could harm both the Jazz and his chances to make the team.
• Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls2025-26 Stats: 17.0 PPG | 8.3 RPG | 9.1 APG | 13 Triple DoublesThe Case: Already near triple-double averages, better defense and shooting could push him to 20/10/10 territory.The Hurdle: The emergence of Caleb Wilson could reduce his touches, or a mediocre Bulls team could hinder recognition.
• Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 20.2 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 3.3 APG | 38.3% 3PTThe Case: Miller scored efficiently alongside LaMelo. With LaMelo gone, his usage and scoring could increase significantly.The Hurdle: Recovering from shoulder surgery this offseason may delay his progress.
• Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans2025-26 Stats: 21.5 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.8 APG | Made 12 3-pointers in one gameThe Case: Murphy is a dangerous shooter who’s developing off-the-dribble skills. Continued growth could lead to career-best numbers.The Hurdle: Pelicans likely won’t make playoffs, and tough Western Conference competition may overshadow his performance.

I Can See It Happening

• OG Anunoby, New York Knicks2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 2.2 APG | Scored a Finals Game-WinnerThe Case: He scored 20 points per game during the title run, with standout defense that deserves recognition. More scoring could secure an All-Star spot.The Hurdle: Shot volume was low even during the Finals, so regular season opportunities may remain limited.
• Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic2025-26 Stats: 20.1 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 4.1 APG | 39.1% 3PTThe Case: New coach Sean Sweeney might increase Bane’s role. Previously, Bane averaged nearly 24 points with less usage, showing potential as a shot creator.The Hurdle: Several other scorers like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner also demand touches.
• Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers2025-26 Stats (5 games): 14.4 PPG | 10.8 RPG | 3.0 APG | 1.8 BPGThe Case: Kessler’s rim protection lowers opponents’ shooting by over 13% within six feet. Offensively, partnering with Luka Dončić could raise his stats, especially if his three-point shooting sticks.The Hurdle: Dominant defenders don’t always get All-Star nods unless they also excel offensively, and Lakers’ talent might limit his touches.
• Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets2025-26 Stats: 24.2 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 3.0 APG | 3.4 3PMThe Case: MPJ averaged 25 points before the All-Star break last season, deserving recognition despite Brooklyn's poor record.The Hurdle: Sharing touches with Julius Randle means Porter must prove he can sustain production while splitting offense.
• Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics2025-26 Stats: 17.0 PPG | 3.9 RPG | 5.2 APG | 37.7% 3PTThe Case: Without Jaylen Brown last season, Pritchard averaged 26.7 points and 7.6 assists per 75 possessions at 60.6% true shooting. He may become Boston’s No. 2 scorer.The Hurdle: Uncertainty about starting role and shared ball handling with Jayson Tatum and Paul George may limit opportunity.
• Ivica Zubac, Indiana Pacers2025-26 Stats: 14.1 PPG | 10.6 RPG | 2.2 APG | 3.4 OREBThe Case: With Tyrese Haliburton back, they might form a top pick-and-roll duo. Zubac is a solid post scorer and defender, key to Indiana’s success.The Hurdle: Plenty of offensive creators on the roster could reduce his touches.

Don't Rule Them Out

• Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers2025-26 Stats: 12.1 PPG | 11.6 RPG | 2.1 APG | 1.7 BPGThe Case: Clingan combines interior defense with spacing, shooting 34.1% on threes. Opponents shoot 12% worse near the rim when he's defending.The Hurdle: He needs to maintain production over increased minutes beyond last season’s 27.2 per game.
• Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs2025-26 Stats: 11.8 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.9 APG | 18.0 PPG in FinalsThe Case: Harper improved his shooting drastically after the All-Star break and showed up with 18 points per game in the Finals. Another year could bring a breakout.The Hurdle: Spurs' crowded backcourt limits touches and playing time.
• Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 3.4 APG | 273 3-pointers (Rookie Record)The Case: One of the league’s best shooters with room to handle the ball more. Ranked 76th percentile in pick-and-roll efficiency.The Hurdle: Hamstring injury cost him preseason and delayed his start to the season.
• Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves2025-26 Stats: 14.8 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 2.7 APG | 41.2% 3PTThe Case: Known as a top defender, McDaniels could take on more scoring, helped by LaMelo Ball’s playmaking.The Hurdle: Edwards and Ball control most shots, possibly limiting his scoring boost.
• Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons2025-26 Stats: 9.9 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.1 APG | Led NBA in stealsThe Case: An elite defender who played limited minutes last season. If his shooting improves, he could break out.The Hurdle: Last season he took only 24 three-pointers and made just six; a significant leap is needed.
• Derrick White, Boston Celtics2025-26 Stats: 16.5 PPG | 4.4 RPG | 5.4 APG | 1.3 BPGThe Case: If White regains his prior shooting form, he can leverage his defense and passing for a strong season.The Hurdle: His shooting has been streaky historically; inconsistency could hold him back from All-Star honors.