I don’t like discussing award candidates before January. I was watching a broadcast the other night, and they started discussing MVP candidates. They named about 12 players. It was November, and discussing any individual award that early is ridiculous.
All-Star selections, though? This is primetime for discussing which players could be headed to Inglewood, Calif., for the 2026 All-Star Game. Can anybody earn their first All-Star selection? As I started this exercise, I was shocked that a dozen names came to mind as potential first-timers. Let’s dive in:
Eastern Conference
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons: 19.6 ppg | 11.8 rpg | 1.0 bpg | 70.6 percent TS
You’re not guaranteed two spots just for having the top record in the conference, but the Pistons deserve to have two All-Stars. Duren has improved so much on both ends of the floor, including scoring in the 3-to-10 foot range now. His offensive rebounding is hurting opponents too. Likelihood: 8/10
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks: 23.2 ppg | 10.0 rpg | 7.3 apg | 63.7 percent TS
Only Johnson and Nikola Jokić are averaging at least 23-10-7 so far this season. The Hawks haven’t missed a beat without Trae Young because they can run so much through their dynamic forward. He won’t get voted in, but he should definitely be a reserve. Likelihood: 8/10
Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks: 16.1 ppg | 4.5 rpg | 4.4 apg | 2.1 spg | 63.6 percent TS
This one might be a stretch, but Bridges has been massive for the Knicks. His scoring is extremely timely, he’s moving the ball in Mike Brown’s offense and he’s disrupting opponents on defense. Likelihood: 3/10
Norman Powell, Miami Heat: 25.0 ppg | 3.7 rpg | 2.4 apg | 66.3 percent TS
He should have made it last year for the Clippers, but they gave it to James Harden instead. He’s been even better this season and is a big reason the Heat’s new uptempo style is so effective. Likelihood: 7/10
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic: 22.9 ppg | 6.4 rpg | 3.7 apg | 59.3 percent TS
The Magic have gotten their act together, and they’ve done it without Paolo Banchero. Desmond Bane could also be picked, but Wagner is more likely as their best player available. Likelihood: 5/10
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls: 20.6 ppg | 9.9 rpg | 9.1 apg | 58.1 percent TS
Those numbers are ridiculous! Giddey has been putting up near triple-doubles most nights, and that improved 3-point shot from last season (37.8 percent) is even better this time (40.0). Likelihood: 9/10
Western Conference
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets: 17.1 ppg | 7.0 rpg | 5.2 apg | 53.4 percent TS
Thompson might get squeezed out by his own teammates. Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün should be All-Star locks. Thompson has been awesome but not quite there. Likelihood: 3/10
Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder: 18.2 ppg | 8.0 rpg | 1.5 bpg | 65.0 percent TS
There's still time for Jalen Williams to get into the mix; he made his first All-Star Game last season. The Thunder have been so good, maybe they get three picks. Chet’s been more than good enough. Likelihood: 6/10
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers: 28.1 ppg | 5.7 rpg | 6.6 apg | 68.0 percent TS
I’m not sure we’ve seen someone cash in on a contract year like Reaves in quite some time. He’s 11th in scoring and doing it at a ridiculous efficiency. The question is whether he takes LeBron James’ assumed spot. Likelihood: 10/10
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets: 23.3 ppg | 4.5 rpg | 6.7 apg | 61.0 percent TS
Jokić has never had an All-Star teammate. And many have wondered why Murray hasn’t made it. Probably because he usually isn’t very good in the first half of the season. But he’s been excellent so far. He just has to stay healthy. Likelihood: 4/10
Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns: 22.3 ppg | 3.1 rpg | 1.7 spg | 57.1 percent TS
I’m just as shocked as you are. Because of the Suns’ success and his play, he’ll get consideration. I don’t find his antics and faux toughness to be charming, but he’s playing near an All-Star level. Likelihood: 2/10
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers: 25.8 ppg | 7.1 rpg | 5.8 apg |
62.1 percent TS
I think Avdija is going to end up on the outside looking in, but he’s very deserving of getting the nod. He’s been tremendous in how he attacks, and he’s made the Blazers a team that can withstand some of these injuries. Likelihood: 6/10 |
