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NBA All-Star voting kicked off this week, with the league once again experimenting with a new format—Americans versus international stars. A total of 24 players will be selected, 12 from each conference, with no position requirements. The American team will feature at least 16 players, while the international roster will include a minimum of eight. Fans account for 50% of the vote, with players and media each contributing 25%, and NBA head coaches selecting the reserves. If the numbers don’t meet the minimums, the commissioner will add extra All-Stars. In short, it’s a complicated system, but a full roster will eventually be set.
Despite the format debates, several players who have never been All-Stars this season are making a strong case for inclusion. Not all will make it, but here are nine standout candidates worth considering.
Murray’s main criticism has historically been inconsistency, but with starters Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) sidelined, he has emerged as the indispensable 1A option alongside Jokić. If Murray doesn’t earn his first All-Star nod this season, it may never happen. Justice for Jamal.
2. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Another standout late-20s player making a strong case for his first All-Star selection is Austin Reaves. The Lakers guard is posting career-high averages of 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in 36.9 minutes, while shooting 50.3% from the field. Beyond scoring and playmaking, Reaves has significantly improved his ability to get to the free-throw line—a skill often overlooked but highly effective. He’s attempting 9.1 free throws per game, converting at an impressive 87.5%.
With stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James sidelined in October, Reaves shined, dropping 51 points against the Kings in Sacramento and following it up with 41 points against Portland at home. His consistent performance and undeniable impact on the court make him a strong contender for his first All-Star nod this season.
3. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson is making a compelling case as one of the NBA’s emerging stars and a potential first-time All-Star. The Hawks forward is posting career highs across the board: 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 51.6% from the field, 38.5% from three, and 81.3% from the free-throw line. Both his three-point and free-throw efficiency mark significant improvements over previous seasons.
Johnson has also become a statistical powerhouse. This week, he recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double, becoming only the third player in NBA history to achieve that feat before turning 24—joining legends Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson. Such performances underscore his all-around game and solidify his case for a first All-Star selection.
4. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
While Chet Holmgren’s case is often discussed more in the context of season awards than All-Star selections, his impact this season cannot be ignored. The Thunder’s young center is emerging as a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, especially if Victor Wembanyama falls short of the 65-game minimum required for award eligibility.
Holmgren has anchored one of the league’s best defenses and is currently the betting favorite for the DPOY (+145 at FanDuel). Averaging 28 minutes per game, his limited playing time is largely due to the Thunder dominating most matchups by historically large margins—a staggering 16.8-point differential, the best in NBA history. In a scenario with extended minutes, Holmgren’s counting stats, particularly his 1.5 blocks per game, could see even more impressive numbers, further cementing his case as a first-time All-Star candidate.
5. Deni Avdija, Portland Trailblazers
The Portland Trailblazers may fly under the radar in the crowded Western Conference, but Deni Avdija is quietly having a breakout season. The 24-year-old is posting career highs across the board, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Avdija is also showing efficiency from deep, making 37.7% of his 6.4 three-point attempts per game, while getting to the free-throw line 9.6 times per game and shooting 81.2%. His all-around production and consistency make a strong case for his first All-Star selection.
6. Norm Powell, Miami Hea
Norm Powell has continued his late-career surge with the Miami Heat, averaging career highs in points (24.4) and rebounds (3.7), while shooting 49.3% from the field and 42.9% from three. At 32 years old, Powell has defied expectations by putting together back-to-back peak seasons. His ability to provide instant offense off the bench or in the starting lineup has been invaluable for Miami, making him a compelling candidate for his first All-Star nod.
7. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Josh Giddey remains a statistical marvel for the Chicago Bulls, despite the team’s struggles. Posting career highs of 20.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, along with shooting 47.6% from the floor and 40.4% from three, Giddey’s numbers underscore his impact. While his brand of basketball may not always translate to wins, his all-around production makes a strong case for an All-Star selection, emphasizing individual excellence even in a challenging season.
8. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Jalen Duren has been a force in the paint for the Detroit Pistons, averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds per game. The 22-year-old has recorded double-doubles in 15 of 23 games played and ranks fourth in the league in rebounding. Duren’s defensive improvements, averaging nearly one steal and one block per game, have made him a cornerstone of Detroit’s interior dominance and a standout candidate for first-time All-Star consideration.
9. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Derrick White has emerged as a key contributor for the Boston Celtics, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined and other roster changes during the offseason. While his shooting numbers—39.6% from the field and 33.8% from three—may raise eyebrows, his increased offensive usage to 24.2% has highlighted his ability to shoulder responsibility. Over the last month, White has shot 44.9% from the field and 38.7% from deep across 13 games. His defense is equally impressive, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, making him one of only two players in the NBA with at least 30 steals and 30 blocks this season. White’s defensive presence and improved scoring make a compelling case for his first All-Star appearance.
