NBA 1st-Time All Stars
The NBA All-Star Game will take place this weekend, along with events like the Dunk Contest and 3-Point Competition.
Team LeBron and Team Durant boast plenty of the biggest stars of basketball, but there are also some new faces this year in the All-Star Game.
These breakout stars and young studs will make the trip to Cleveland—so let’s look at the group of first time All-Stars.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant will be starting in his first ever All-Star Game, and it’s hard to argue against his inclusion.
The high-flying guard has taken his game, and the Grizzlies along with him, to a whole new level. He is currently setting career highs in points, rebounds, steals and blocks per game, and Memphis is among the best teams in the league as the third seed in the Western Conference.
Expect Morant to put on a show in the All-Star Game with his incredible athleticism.
Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors
Andrew Wiggins’ inclusion in the All-Star Game came as a shock to many NBA fans, after being voted in by the fans as a starter.
However, while none of his stats pop out, Wiggins has helped take the Warriors to the West’s second seed while playing a solid two-way game.
The 2014 No. 1-overall pick will head back to Cleveland, the city that drafted him but then traded him to Minnesota.
Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs
Dejounte Murray has broken out as the first option for the Spurs this season, showcasing his all-around game.
His 11 triple-doubles are second in the league, and he is among the best defenders on the perimeter.
Murray will likely be a piece San Antonio will build around in the coming future, as he’s only 25 years old.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland and the Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises of this season.
The third-year point guard has become a genius in the pick-and-roll, a strong shooter and a playmaker alongside a Cleveland starting lineup that boasts a lot of height.
Garland will not have to go far for the All-Star Game in his home arena.
Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
Ever since the 2019 Finals where he was a huge spark off the bench in the Raptors’ title run, Fred VanVleet has continued to ascend and become one of the best guards in the league.
VanVleet went undrafted in the 2016 draft, and has become a major success story, now earning his first All-Star appearance.
Between his knockdown shooting, scoring creativity, playmaking and steals that he racks up, VanVleet is a worthy inclusion to the All-Star Game.
Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Allen has been a huge part of Cleveland’s big jump this season, becoming one of the best rim-runners and paint protectors in the league.
Allen, alongside the long wingspan of Evan Mobley, has turned the Cavaliers' defense into one of the best in the game, with the fourth-best defensive rating.
Allen will join Garland as Cavaliers playing in their home arena for the All-Star Game.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball has been on the track to superstardom for years, starting off as one of the most well-known high school players, and eventually being drafted by the Hornets.
This season, he’s looked even more comfortable as a scorer, averaging over 20 points, to go along with his seven rebounds and seven assists per game.
Like his brother Lonzo, LaMelo’s passes are a beauty to watch. Expect some highlight dimes from him in the All-Star Game.
Daniel Mader is a second-year majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
