Who Are Some Potential First Time NBA All Stars?
The NBA season is underway, and many players are looking to make a major impact.
Among that large group, there'll be those that emerge and further cement themselves in the league.
With that in mind, here are the most likely first-time all stars during the 2022-23 season.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
The most noteworthy player in the NBA yet to get an all star nod is guard Anthony Edwards.
Throughout his first two seasons in the league, the former No. 1 overall pick has already become the clear leader in Minnesota both on and off the court.
His galvanizing and energetic personality coupled with his 21.3 points per game last season proves how essential Edwards is to Minnesota. And with the T-Wolves returning to the playoffs last season, Edwards helped a once-struggling franchise find new life.
Expectations are sky-high, but at age 21, Edwards has his whole career ahead of him.
Chances are, he’ll take another major step forward in the coming months.
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
De’Aaron Fox has been with Sacremento his entire career since they drafted him third overall in 2017.
During that time, Fox has seen highs and lows as a player, while the Kings have continued to expand what’s now the longest playoff drought in North American sports.
But could that change this season? If it does, Fox will be a major driving force behind that.
After the all-star break last season, Fox averaged 29.3 points per game, helping him turn around a season that had previously been disappointing by his standards.
Fox carried that performance over in his season debut this year, scoring 33 points during the Kings’ loss to Portland to open the campaign.
If the Kings are able to turn things around under new coach Mike Brown, Fox certainly could earn a spot on the all-star roster.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Few, if any, made more progress than Tyrese Maxey a year ago.
Going from a backup to a 35-minutes per game starting guard, Maxey saw his responsibilities increase dramatically. He also substantially upped his production from beyond the arc, shooting nearly 43% from three in 2021-22.
Now paired with James Harden in the backcourt, Maxey has an elite creator opposite him to get him even more strong perimeter looks.
Maxey can also drive to the rim with a ferocity few others match, giving him a multi-layered offensive game that’ll help the Sixers immensely.
If Philadlephia is among the Eastern Conference’s top contenders, Maxey could join Harden and Joel Embiid in the All Star Sunday lineup.
CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans
CJ McCollum has been giving above-average production for seven years now, yet he’s never been an All Star.
McCollum’s long tenure in Portland came to a close last season when he was dealt to New Orleans at the trade deadline.
During his first 26 games in the Big Easy, the Lehigh graduate averaged a career high 24.3 points per game, and helped his new squad make the playoffs.
With the Pelicans looking as dangerous as ever, defeating the Nets decisively on Wednesday to open the season, could their success lead to McCollum’s first all-star berth?
He scored 21 points while dishing six assists in that victory. After so many strong years, this finally may be the moment where McCollum gets recognition.
Joe Tuman is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at joentuman@gmail.com.
