Top 5 players who can become NBA All-Stars next season
The 2023-24 NBA season does not start until a month from now, but it is never too early to discuss players who can become first-time All-Stars in the upcoming year by going a notch higher and taking their spots among the league’s elite.
Last season, there were a number of them, namely Lauri Markkanen (Utah), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City), De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), and Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis). And this year, more could follow their lead.
Here are five players who could be first-time NBA All-Stars for the 2023-24 season:
#1 Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
The reigning NBA rookie of the year could have made it to the All-Star Game in his first year with steady numbers of 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. His 42.7% shooting clip from last year needs improvement but signs point to him doing so accordingly, with the Magic now more familiar with what he is capable of as a player.
Banchero played with Team USA in the recent FIBA World Cup alongside other rising NBA stars and performed quite well on both ends. It should be further motivation for him to keep getting better and earn an All-Star spot while helping Orlando improve its fortunes.
#2 Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets)
Bridges considerably raised his stock after being part of the deal midseason last year that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix from Brooklyn. From 17.2 points playing for the Suns, he took his scoring output to 26.1 points.
This season, he is expected to continue to be among the leaders in Brooklyn, and with his ability to play both ends of the court, it is not going to be a stretch that he would earn All-Star considerations and make it.
#3 Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
Easily one of the noted snubs in last season’s Midseason Classic after averaging 24 points and 6.2 assists in his first year with the New York Knicks, point guard Jalen Brunson should earn All-Star nods with a more prominent role in the Big Apple.
The Villanova product proved to be a game-changer in making the Knicks a steady force in the NBA last season and is expected to remain as such for this year and beyond.
#4 Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)
One of the fast-rising big men in the Association, Alperen Sengun is expected to continue his ascent, which should allow him to get looks for an All-Star spot.
He posted numbers of 14.8 points and nine rebounds in 75 games with the Rockets, numbers that he should add on to this season with newly acquired players like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, further enhancing his potential as a player.
#5 Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
With Washington deciding to reorganize its roster this offseason, Kyle Kuzma has been thrust into a more prominent role, which could lead to a first-ever All-Star appearance this season.
He showed last year that he is capable of being the face of a team when he averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, along with some clutch plays in games. Now the leader of the Wizards, he is poised to have an even better season and finally be recognized as one of the top players in the NBA.