Predicting First Time All-Stars

I wanted to make a couple predictions going into this NBA season as a fun thought exercise, and one cool topic I’d love to get some takes off on and of course expand on would be the possible first-time All-Stars this season. So let’s get right into it.

The first one that comes to mind for me has to be Amen Thompson from the Houston Rockets,simply because that dude is a freak of nature. Towards the latter half of last season, we really got to see Amen Thompson shine as he was basically a Swiss Army knife for the Rockets, doing it all on the floor. He was their best primary defender regardless of position, and he often had to be the main ball handler when Fred VanVleet wasn’t on the court or even Jalen Green, who’s no longer on the roster after being part of the big trade with Dillon Brooks that sent both to Phoenix for Kevin Durant. KD will for sure have a huge impact on Houston’s young stars, and most importantly on Amen Thompson, who’s going to be expected to take on a bigger role due to the unfortunate VanVleet injury.

In all seriousness, Amen may have to play point guard a whole lot, as well as play off the ball when KD and Alperen Sengun are dominating in spurts. Last season, as a starter in 42 games, Amen averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game along with almost 2 blocks per game. That stat line alone screams All-Star, and especially with how they ended the year, it’s easy to imagine him getting even better with a stronger team and veteran presence guiding him. That’s my No. 1 rising All-Star this year, and honestly, I’d call that a lock.

Next up, I’ve got Jalen Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks. He’s not a sleeper by any means — this guy is a straight-up breakout candidate. Jalen has shown flashes that make me think it’ll translate into serious wins for his team and get his name on an All-Star ballot. He’s got all the tools to be a special player on both sides of the floor thanks to his length, athleticism, and overall feel for the game.

Last year, Jalen averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in a short 36-game window before his season was cut short due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder during a game against the Raptors. Nonetheless, he was already getting All-Star consideration before the injury, and I can easily see him reaching that level this season, especially with Kristaps Porzingis joining him in the frontcourt. Kristaps will help spread the floor and create space for Jalen to operate alongside Trae Young, and I’m sure that two-man game between Young and Johnson will only improve with more spacing.

With that said, I’m expecting big things out of Jalen Johnson this season, along with the rest of the Hawks’ supporting cast. I’m a huge fan of the group they’ve put together, and this might just be the year Atlanta gets two All-Stars, with Trae Young returning to the game and Jalen Johnson making his first appearance.

For my third guy, I’ve got to go with Chet Holmgren of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Honestly, he was on his way to an All-Star appearance last year if not for that unfortunate early injury. Once he came back, he didn’t lose a step, and if anything, he got even better. Chet’s one of the most versatile bigs in the league, capable of playing the four alongsideIsaiah Hartenstein while acting as a defensive safety on the perimeter and wings, with Hartenstein anchoring the paint.

That versatility makes Chet special. He can defend the rim, stretch the floor, and make plays from anywhere. When it’s all said and done, maybe not even at the end but by his prime, I could see people comparing him to Anthony Davis or Kevin Garnett because of his defensive ability. And we haven’t even talked about how good he is offensively: he can make plays, hit shots, and dunk over multiple guys.

Chet’s the full package, and OKC was smart to lock him into a max deal right after winning their first championship. In the playoffs, he averaged 15 points, 9 boards, and 2 blocks with a stacked supporting cast. And honestly, if he really wanted to, I think he could average 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 to 4 blocks a game. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s his presence. Guys think twice before attacking the basket or trying to get past Holmgren around the wing. He’s a unicorn just like Wemby, and hopefully we’ll get to see him stay healthy and perform all season to earn his first All-Star honors.

As for possible sleeper picks, I’d have to go with my guy Andrew Nembhard from the Indiana Pacers, who’s going to have to step up and replace Tyrese Haliburton for most, if not all, of the season. He’s definitely got a shot to play himself into that mix. And another name to watch is Norman Powell, now with the Miami Heat. He was almost named an All-Star last year with the Clippers, and with him on an expiring deal looking for that last big payday, I’m sure he’ll do everything in his power to make it happen.

Hopefully, as a Heat fan, he can make that push and earn his first All-Star selection. I’m excited to see how these guys turn out by February, and from a fan’s perspective, all I can do is cheer them on. I’ve got the utmost faith in those guys making their name and getting the chance to earn that honor as first-time All-Stars.