The NBA season is currently close to a third of the way through, meaning all-star voting is about to begin. This year, the voting will be the same as in the past, having 12 players from both conferences, but this time around, it is positionless.
The starters are selected by fans (50% of the vote), NBA players (25% of the vote) and a panel of media members (25% of the vote), while the reserves are selected by NBA coaches. There are many contenders for all-stars every year, but here's a look at who can potentially make their first appearance in the game in 2026.
Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson is almost a lock to have his first all-star selection in February, and it could be as a starter, highlighting how amazing he has been for the Atlanta Hawks thus far.
Johnson has been required to become the Hawks' number one guy with star guard Trae Young going down with an injury, resulting in impressive averages of 23 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists per game. He's doing this at a very efficient rate too, shooting 53% from the field and 40% from three.
The 23-year-old has led the Hawks to a solid 14-11 record thus far. His insane performances as of recent have had the NBA fans talking about him, notably dropping 41 points in a clutch double overtime victory against Philadelphia. Johnson definitely seems on his way to becoming an all-star in his fifth season.
Deni Avdija
In just his second year in Portland, Avdija has emerged as a star in this league. After showing flashes of this at the end of last season, he has proven to everyone that it wasn't a fluke.
In his 23 games, the forward is averaging 26 points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Along with this, he averages seven rebounds and six assists. He has also been asked to run the point guard for the Blazers, which has been impressive to watch.
The 25-year-old is becoming one of the better scorers in the league, and he should be considered for his first All-Star selection.
Josh Giddey
The Australian guard started this season on fire, but while the hot streak has slowed down for Chicago, Giddey is still putting up monster numbers for the 9-13 Bulls.
Giddey is close to averaging a triple-double in his 20 games so far this season, putting up stats of 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists per game. He has been the engine for the Bulls' offence all season long.
The 23-year-old is currently going through his breakout year, which has put him in the all-star conversation, but with him and the Bulls starting to slow down, his chances could be slipping away.
Franz Wagner
After being on the verge of his first all-star appearance last season, many predicted Wagner to earn his first selection this year. After star Paolo Banchero went down with an injury, Wagner has stepped up in a major way to help the Magic get their season back on track.
Wagner so far is averaging 23 points, six rebounds and four assists per game, while also leading the Magic to a 14-10 record, which sits at sixth in the Eastern Conference.
The star German, unfortunately, went down with a knee injury on Monday (AEDT), which could hurt his case for selection if he misses some time. Hopefully, it isn't as bad as it seems, and Wagner can continue to put on stellar performances.
Chet Holmgren
The Thunder's big man has been a dominant force to start the season. After star forward Jalen Williams was ruled out to start the year, Holmgren was bound to leap in production, and hasn't disappointed.
This year, Holmgren is putting up career numbers with 18 points, eight rebounds, along with over a block per game. He is the anchor of the best defence in the league, establishing himself as a favourite for Defensive Player of the Year.
With the Thunder sitting at the top of the Western Conference, dominating the league with a 22-1 record, the expectation is for them to receive two All-Star nods. With Williams missing the start of the season, it will be hard for him to get selected, so it seems obvious for Holmgren to gain his first selection.
Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray has had an amazing career, but has never been able to be selected as an all-star, though he probably should've been named as one at some point.
In his 10th season in the NBA, it might be time he is finally awarded with an all-star selection. This year, he is averaging a career high of 24.6 points and seven assists per game. He is also doing this at an unbelievable efficiency rate of 50% from the field and 46% from the three-point range.
The Nuggets currently sit third in the West with a 16-6 record, which could help Murray's chances of finally getting rewarded with a well-earned all-star selection.
Austin Reaves
In his fifth season, the undrafted guard has reached limits no one would've thought he could in his career. Reaves has had a huge breakout year for the Lakers, and he is becoming an all-star lock.
This season, he is averaging a career high of 29 points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Along with that, he is averaging seven assists and five rebounds per game.
Reaves has been unbelievable in LeBron James' absence, and whenever Doncic misses games, Reaves continues to step up for the team. While doing all this on the second-seed Lakers, the star guard deserves a selection to the All-Star team.
Jalen Duren
The Pistons' big man has been one of the more improved players to begin the season, and this outstanding play has earned him to be in all-star conversations.
In just his fourth season, Duren is averaging 19 points, 11.5 rebounds and one block per game. He has been the Pistons' second-best player behind Cade Cunningham, which has helped them get to the first seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons deserve two all-stars, and it seems Duren has every chance to be one of them.
