NBA's Upcoming First-Time All-Stars: Top Contenders, Fringe Players, and Dark Horses

In the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, six players made their debut appearances: Deni Avdija, Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Jamal Murray, and Norm Powell. Looking ahead to 2027, here are 24 prospects divided by tiers based on their potential.

Best Bets

• Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks2025-26 Stats: 21.0 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 4.5 APG | Scored 51 points at age 19Case: Flagg posted averages of 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in his last 26 full games last season. He was ranked among the league's top 15 to 20 players for part of his rookie year. With Kyrie Irving returning, Flagg's efficiency could rise further. Even without Irving, a second-year leap seems likely.Hurdle: If the Mavericks falter or Irving’s return falls short, Flagg might miss out since voters often favor players from winning teams. His All-Star selection feels inevitable; timing is the question.
• Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets2025-26 Stats: 16.2 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 2.7 APG | 38.9% 3PTCase: Gordon began last season averaging 20.3 points with 45.2% accuracy from three, playing strong defense. He expanded his game with off-dribble scoring in post-ups, isolations, and pick-and-rolls before a hamstring injury halted his momentum. If healthy and consistent, he could join Nuggets’ first-time All-Stars consecutively.Hurdle: Staying healthy is a concern. Also, sharing the floor with Nikola Jokić might limit raw scoring numbers needed for All-Star recognition.
• Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers2025-26 Stats: 23.3 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 5.5 APG | 64.1% TSCase: Reaves averaged 28.9 points through the first 18 games last year before injury interrupted his run. If he and Luka Dončić stay healthy, this year could be his breakthrough. He performs well both alongside Luka and when taking over during Luka's rest.Hurdle: Defensive vulnerabilities make him a target. Improving defensively would strengthen his All-Star case and help the Lakers earn multiple selections.
• Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets2025-26 Stats: 18.3 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 5.3 APG | 3.0 OREBCase: 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 while impacting all facets of the game. Despite Fred VanVleet’s presence, Amen might increase scoring through shooting, cutting, and rebounding.Hurdle: His three-point shooting remains weak (21.6%). Without a reliable jumper, defenses won’t respect him enough, limiting his scoring chances.
• Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic2025-26 Stats: 20.6 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 3.3 APG | Played 34 gamesCase: Wagner excels at free throws (82.3%) and floaters (51.6%), skills consistent since college. A better three-point shot could dramatically boost his scoring. He already contributes inside scoring, passing, rebounding, defense, and effort.Hurdle: After five years in the league, his jumper remains inconsistent. It’s unclear if the improvement will arrive.
• Coby White, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 17.4 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 4.0 APG | 36.2% 3PTCase: White can attack the paint and shoot well beyond the arc. In limited minutes without LaMelo Ball last season, he averaged 33.2 points and 7.2 assists per 75 possessions. The Hornets trust their current roster enough to manage without LaMelo, making White an intriguing bet.Hurdle: Previously more of a 20-point player, last season's spike might be a fluke caused by defenses not focusing on him as much as they did LaMelo.

On the Verge

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks2025-26 Stats: 20.8 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.7 APG | 39.9% 3PTCase: Alexander-Walker doubled his scoring average last season. He has sharp shooting, solid passing, and versatile defense. Leading Team Canada in pick-and-rolls this summer hints at increased usage.Hurdle: His breakout came mostly from off-ball play. Isolation and pick-and-roll scoring ranks were low, so major growth is needed to push for an All-Star spot.
• Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 7.4 APG | Recorded a 40-point triple-doubleCase: Castle is a lockdown defender who can score in bursts. If he improves his pull-up shooting, All-NBA honors could follow.Hurdle: Shooting consistency has never been his strength. Sharing backcourt duties may limit his touches.
• Keyonte George, Utah Jazz2025-26 Stats: 23.6 PPG | 3.7 RPG | 6.1 APG | 37.1% 3PTCase: George's scoring and shooting efficiency approach All-Star levels. With more teammates now, he could create more assists and develop as a primary playmaker.Hurdle: Defense remains a weak spot and could hurt both the team and his All-Star chances.
• Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls2025-26 Stats: 17.0 PPG | 8.3 RPG | 9.1 APG | 13 triple-doublesCase: Giddey nearly averaged a triple-double. Better defense and shooting could push him to 20/10/10 numbers if the Bulls improve.Hurdle: New talent like Caleb Wilson might reduce his touches, or the Bulls might remain mediocre, limiting voter recognition.
• Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 20.2 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 3.3 APG | 38.3% 3PTCase: Miller scored more per possession without LaMelo and could maintain or improve efficiency. Maintaining solid defense is key.Hurdle: Surgery on his left shoulder delayed offseason development, but full health could boost his impact.
• Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans2025-26 Stats: 21.5 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.8 APG | Hit 12 threes in a single gameCase: Murphy’s shooting and ability to beat defenders off the dribble have grown steadily. Offseason focus on creation could expand his production.Hurdle: Pelicans likely won't make the playoffs, and strong numbers might not outweigh performances on contender teams.

Possibly Making It

• OG Anunoby, New York Knicks2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 2.2 APG | Hit a Finals game-winnerCase: During a title run, Anunoby averaged 20 points. His defense deserves All-Star attention, and more scoring could push him there.Hurdle: Shot attempts were limited even during the championship run, possibly capping his scoring ceiling.
• Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic2025-26 Stats: 20.1 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 4.1 APG | 39.1% 3PTCase: Bane could see higher usage under new coach Sean Sweeney. He’s not just a shooter but can create in pick-and-rolls.Hurdle: Other key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner also require significant touches.
• Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers2025-26 Stats (5 games): 14.4 PPG | 10.8 RPG | 3.0 APG | 1.8 BPGCase: Kessler’s rim protection is elite, drastically lowering opponent shooting percentages near the basket. Offensively, Luka Dončić’s passes should increase his opportunities. He has started shooting threes as well.Hurdle: Defensive specialists don't always get All-Star nods. Kessler must improve offensively and fight for minutes on a talent-rich team.
• Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets2025-26 Stats: 24.2 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 3.0 APG | 3.4 3PMCase: Porter averaged 25 points before the All-Star break. Despite Brooklyn's struggles, his production deserved recognition. If the Nets improve, his case strengthens.Hurdle: Sharing touches with Julius Randle means Porter must prove he can sustain his scoring at a high level.
• Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics2025-26 Stats: 17.0 PPG | 3.9 RPG | 5.2 APG | 37.7% 3PTCase: Without Jaylen Brown, Pritchard showed he can score and assist efficiently. He may become Boston's number two scorer.Hurdle: Uncertainty about his role and competition from Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and others may limit his touches.
• Ivica Zubac, Indiana Pacers2025-26 Stats: 14.1 PPG | 10.6 RPG | 2.2 APG | 3.4 OREBCase: With Tyrese Haliburton returning, Zubac could thrive in pick-and-rolls and dominate inside scoring and defense.Hurdle: He must compete for touches in an offense loaded with other creators like Pascal Siakam.

Dark Horses

• Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers2025-26 Stats: 12.1 PPG | 11.6 RPG | 2.1 APG | 1.7 BPGCase: Clingan combines floor spacing with strong rim protection, holding opponents to 12% worse shooting near the basket.Hurdle: To earn an All-Star spot, he’ll need to maintain or increase his production beyond last season's 27 minutes per game.
• Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs2025-26 Stats: 11.8 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.9 APG | Averaged 18 points in the FinalsCase: Harper improved shooting significantly late in his rookie season and performed well in the Finals. Another year could spark a breakout.Hurdle: Multiple scorers on the Spurs could limit his touches and minutes.
• Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 3.4 APG | Set rookie record with 273 threesCase: Knueppel is among the best shooters in the NBA, though he ranked only 15th in attempts. Without LaMelo Ball absorbing so many plays, his opportunities could increase.Hurdle: A left hamstring injury sidelined him for preseason and early regular season, putting him behind schedule.
• Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves2025-26 Stats: 14.8 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 2.7 APG | 41.2% 3PTCase: Known as a top defender, McDaniels could take on more scoring responsibility with roster changes and help from LaMelo Ball.Hurdle: Offensive priorities lie with Anthony Edwards and Ball, potentially limiting McDaniels’ shot volume.
• Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons2025-26 Stats: 9.9 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.1 APG | Led league in stealsCase: Thompson is a strong defender who played limited minutes last season. Increased playing time and developing his shooting could unlock a bigger role.Hurdle: He took very few three-pointers and made only a handful. Dramatic improvement is necessary.
• Derrick White, Boston Celtics2025-26 Stats: 16.5 PPG | 4.4 RPG | 5.4 APG | 1.3 BPGCase: White’s defense and passing stand out. If he regains his previous shooting form, especially from three-point range, he could have his best season.Hurdle: His shooting has been streaky, and regression to earlier career norms is possible. Scoring is critical for All-Star consideration.