Potential First Time NBA All-Stars
The all-star break is still a ways away in the NBA. Early on in the season, players are making their name heard, especially those looking to make their first all-star appearance. With just 12 representatives from each conference, it’s an elite list to make a breakthrough. Here are the top candidates to do so.
Cade Cunningham
It’s about time for Cade Cunningham to get his respect. The former number-one overall selection has blossomed into the superstar he was projected to be. The Pistons are playing at a much higher caliber this season and it’s all credit to Cunningham, who is averaging 23.5 ppg, 9.0 apg, and 7.2 rpg. He certainly has taken a major step up as a point guard, sitting at fourth in the league in assists and carrying his team to a play-in game if the season were to end today.
Franz Wagner
The Magic have been operating without their star player in Paolo Banchero for the majority of the season, and it’s been Franz Wagner as the main reason for their continued success without Banchero. The Magic currently sit at the third seed in the Eastern Conference, winning 12 of their last 13 games. Wagner is averaging 27.2 ppg, 6.9 apg, and 5.9 rpg in that stretch. If Wagner keeps surging for the Magic, he could be the representative for the Magic come the all-star break.
Alperen Sengun
It was only a matter of time before Alperen Sengun got the nod for his first All-Star game, and this could be the year. Sengun does a little bit of everything on the court, posting 18.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 5.1 apg, and over one steal and block. The Rockets are having an incredible season, sitting as the two seed in the Western Conference. If that type of output continues, Sengun will have to be spotlighted for his success at the all-star weekend.
Victor Wembanyama
This one could end up being a no-brainer once February rolls around. Victor Wembanyama has been sensational in year two, and after the hype around him as a prospect coming into the league, there will certainly be support for him getting into the All-Star game. He is already the heavy favorite to be the Defensive Player of the Year and is averaging a double-double for his per-game averages. Wembanyama is a perennial all-star player and a future MVP-caliber player, and year two is where it begins.
