Four First-Time All-Star Prediction

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Later this month, the NBA will release the ballots for the 72nd All-Star Game with the game taking place in Salt Lake City in February. Everyone knows that familiar faces like Steph, Giannis, KD, and LeBron will be there adding another accolade to their long list of accomplishments. On the other side, there are several young and overlooked stars who should be making their first. The following four players should be considered locks, whether that’s being voted in by the fans, or voted in as a replacement by the coaches.

Lauri Markkanen

In the early weeks of the 2022-23 season, the Utah Jazz were one of the biggest surprises, starting 10-3 in their first 13 games. The team has been led by Lauri Markkanen. The 25-year-old Finnish forward was seen as a reliable starter last season, averaging 14.8 PPG and 5.7 RPG. Following his trade from the Cavs to the Jazz and an impressive run in the 2022 FIBA Eurobasket, Lauri Markkanen has grown into a young star in the NBA. This season, Markkanen is averaging 22.2 PPG (a career-high) and 8.5 RPG. Although the team has fallen off, dropping to 15-12 at the time of the writing, the Markkanen put on strong performances consistently. With several players in the West not performing at the same level and several others moving to the Eastern Conference, there are several spots that should be open. With a few frontcourt members in the West being locks such as LeBron James and Nikola Jokic, Markkanen should be a lock for his first All-Star appearance.

De’Aaron Fox

One team that has been unexpectedly hot and a fan feel-good story is the Sacramento Kings. The team currently sits at a 13-10 record, lighting the beam with each Kings victory. The team wouldn’t be where they are without De’Aaron Fox. While many may think Fox has an All-Star appearance or two to his name, Fox has not been selected for the ASG in his five seasons in the league. Now in his sixth season, Fox is averaging a strong 23.1 PPG, 5.8 APG, and 5.1 RPG. He is averaging a career-high in rebounds but has taken a slight drop off in points and assists. Fox has become more efficient putting up career highs from the field, three, and the line. With the success of the Kings so far this season and the attention the team has been getting, Fox should be a lock for the All-Star Game. With notable Western Conference guards like Donovan Mitchell and Dejounte Murray moving to the East last season, there are several guard spots up for grabs, with one of those having Fox’s name on it.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

While Fox is likely to nab a guard spot out of of the West, another spot should go to Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Although the Thunder have not made a leap this year, SGA has. After a strong 2021-22 season putting up 24.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 5.9 APG, Gilgeous-Alexander is having a breakout year averaging 31.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 6.0 APG. OKC fans have been able to see just how great of a young player SGA is, he’s gotten attention from all over the league with his play this season. Even though OKC is 11-14, SGA has been a standout SGA player, with his name being included in the Most Improved and Most Valuable Player conversations early on. SGA is easily a lock for his first All-Star appearance, and it would be a travesty if he was included this season.

Tyrese Haliburton

If there is one player that is not being recognized as much as they should be, it’s Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton has been the key for the Pacers’ success this season. Currently sitting at 13-11, Haliburton currently leads team in scoring (19.1 PPG), Assists (10.9 APG), and steals (1.8 SPG). He is averaging career highs in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. While his stats look good this season, there are also several players from the Eastern Conference that may not repeat as All-Stars this season. Players like Toronto’s Fred Vanvleet are underperforming while players like Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball have missed most of the season so far. Haliburton has both played almost all his team’s games this season and has proven he deserves recognition. While there will be competition from several Eastern Conference guards including several coming over from the West, Haliburton will have some tough competition on the All-Star Ballot. If Haliburton is not voted into for his first All-Star appearance this season, it’s likely he would be the first to be selected if another player gets injured.