Five Potential First Time All-Stars For 2026 Game

Every year, the NBA All-Star Game welcomes a fresh crop of first-time selections, either through a breakout season or finally achieving team success that justifies the individual brilliance. This year's All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles brings an added twist with the new USA vs. World format, which could open doors for international players who might have been squeezed out in the traditional conference setup. With voting underway and the February showcase approaching, here are five players who have legitimate cases to hear their names called for the first time.

Jalen Johnson - Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks' fifth-year forward is averaging 23.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, putting up near triple-double numbers while shooting over 52 percent from the field. With Trae Young now traded to Washington, Johnson has fully taken over as Atlanta's primary offensive engine, and his all-around brilliance is impossible to ignore. 

Jalen Duren - Detroit Pistons

Duren is an early-season candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player. The Pistons center is averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting an amazing 63 percent from the field. At just 22 years old, he's anchoring Detroit's surprising defensive turnaround and providing the kind of rim-running, rebounding dominance that wins games. With the Pistons sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, Duren's two-way play will earn him a spot alongside teammate Cade Cunningham. 

Jamal Murray - Denver Nuggets

Murray’s invitation to the All-Star Game is long overdue. The Nuggets guard is posting career highs across the board with 25.3 points, 7.5 assists, and 44.3 percent shooting from three. He's been carrying Denver during Nikola Jokic's injury absence and proving he's far more than a sidekick. A key component to Denver’s title run in 2023 and a huge part as to why they are among the favorites to contend for a championship this year, Murray’s current elite-level production should finally earn him his first All-Star nod.

Deni Avdija - Portland Trail Blazers

After four seasons of growth and suffering in Washington, Avdija emerged as Portland's best player down the stretch last season, and this year he is averaging a career and team-best 26.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and seven assists. Few had thought Portland would be a contender for a play-in berth, but Avdija is one of the main reasons why the team is currently holding down the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings. The Blazers forward brings a combination of size, skill, and versatility that stands out, especially in the new international team format.

Norman Powell - Miami Heat

Powell keeps getting better with age. Last year, as a member of the LA Clippers, Powell was easily one of the top All-Star Game snubs. The veteran guard is now Miami's leading scorer and showing he's more than just a solid role player. Averaging a career-high 24.3 points while shooting 49/42/86 percentage splits, Powell is a genuine offensive force who should finally earn his first All-Star recognition at 32, receiving the opportunity to play among the best in the game in front of his hometown crowd.