Predicting First Time All-Stars for the 2020-2021 NBA Season
CHICAGO, USA – OCTOBER 26: John Collins (20) of Atlanta Hawks in action during the NBA game between Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on October 26, 2017 in Chicago, United States. (Photo by Bilgin Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Every year, the NBA tends to see a few first time All-Stars. By the time the All-Star Weekend comes around, the All-Star Game normally boasts these names on their All-Star Game rosters. Some make it through fan voting, others through making it as a reserve, and others by being picked when another All-Star has to miss the game due to injury. Regardless, it is always fun to look into the crystal ball and try to predict who will be the next player to make their first All-Star Game. Without wasting any more time, here are five players who could make their first All-Star Game come next season. Do you agree with our predictions for first-time All-Stars?
Predicting Five First Time All-Stars
First Time All-Stars #5: John Collins
John Collins goes criminally overlooked. He is a part of a very promising Atlanta Hawks young core. His teammate, Trae Young, is the franchise centerpiece, but Collins looks to be the nice side-kick. While Collins is not a household name, one may be surprised to see how effective he is for the Hawks. In just his third season, he was already averaging 21.6 points, 1.6 blocks, and 10.1 rebounds per game. Not to mention, he was remarkably efficient with a field goal percentage of 58.3% coupled with a three-point shooting percentage of 40.1%. If Collins can capitalize on his success from this season, then he will have a legitimate shot at becoming an All-Star next year.
First Time All-Stars #4: Zion Williamson
This one should be a no brainer. Williamson has proven in a short amount of time that he is the furthest thing from a bust. He may not be getting Rookie of the Year, but he will certainly be an All-Star next year. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at his numbers in a small sample size. In just 19 games played, the New Orleans Pelicans big man is already tallying 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He is also shooting 58.9% from the field to go along with a three-point shooting percentage of 46.2%. It is also not remiss to expect these numbers to go up next season. The Pelicans took him with the first overall pick for a reason. Williamson looks to be the next young superstar of this league and expect him in the All-Star Game next season.
First Time All-Star #3: Ja Morant
Ja Morant is most likely going to be the Rookie of the Year and for good reason. Hardly anyone expected the Memphis Grizzles to be a postseason team this year, but Morant has willed the team into the playoff picture. The kid has no fear and he is only going to get better. In just his rookie season, he is putting up 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Morant is doing this while averaging 49.1% shooting from the field along with shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc as a point guard. He and Williamson very well could be the next Luka Doncic and Trae Young meaning they should be locks for the All-Star Game next season.
#2: Jamal Murray
Come next season, Murray will be entering his fifth season. As a result, the Blue Arrow could very well be entering the beginning of his prime. He has already had a solid career as he has improved every year. This season, Murray is tallying a career-high 18.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. On top of this, he is also shooting 45.5% from the field coupled with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.5%. He serves somewhat of an unorthodox role as he is a main source of points despite being the point guard. This is due to him playing with Nikola Jokic who is more of a point center for the Denver Nuggets. As a result, this could mean the Nuggets will get their first All-Star duo since the Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups days next year.
#1: Jaylen Brown
This may seem like an odd selection with the Boston Celtics already possessing Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum. However, teams having three All-Stars has become more prevalent in recent years. Keep in mind, the Atlanta Hawks had five All-Stars one season. This season has been Tatum’s coming into his own party, next season very well could be Brown’s. Brown has found a lot of success which has been overshadowed by Jayson Tatum this season. He has tallied 20.4 points, 1.1 steals, and 6.4 rebounds per game. Brown has done this while shooting 49% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. The Celtics have one of the deadliest rosters in the league and Jaylen Brown will most likely be the next to cement his mark on it come next season. With three potential All-Stars on the roster, the Celtics have to be considered a favorite from the East next year.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images