RADIO
10. Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
Desmond Bane has been a steady force for one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season. When Ja Morant has missed games, Bane has shown he’s capable of handling more responsibility, stepping up as both a scorer and playmaker.
While he’s an outside chance to make the All-Star Game, Bane deserves to be in the conversation. Averaging 17.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on a career-high 49% shooting from the field, the 26-year-old continues to improve and make an impact on both sides of the court.
9. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Amid the Jimmy Butler trade request drama, Tyler Herro has been having a standout season. Averaging career highs of 24.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, he has become one of the league’s most consistent scorers. With shooting splits of 47.8% from the field and over 40% from three, Herro is making the most of his opportunities.
His ability to score efficiently has been vital in keeping the Heat competitive in the Eastern Conference. He is a strong candidate for his first All-Star selection this season.
8. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Ivica Zubac is having a career-best season, setting new highs in scoring, rebounding, and assists. Averaging 15.0 points, 12.7 rebounds (4th in the league), and shooting 61.5% from the field, Zubac is keeping the Clippers in the top six of the Western Conference.
While Zubac may not always get the spotlight, his steady play in the paint is one of the reasons the Clippers have been able to stay competitive. As one of the biggest surprises of the season, he deserves to be in the All-Star conversation.
7. Josh Hart, New York Knicks
It’s not often you see a guard pulling down 9.5 rebounds per game. By comparison, Josh Hart averages more rebounds than big names like LeBron James, Pascal Siakam, and Evan Mobley. Hart is also averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 assists, and shooting 55.7% from the field.
He probably won’t ever be seen as a “star” like some of his teammates, but Hart’s ability to impact the game in many ways has been key to the Knicks success as a top 3 team in the Eastern Conference. Hart’s hustle, versatility, and contributions make him a real contender for his first All-Star spot.
6. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in the league. The 23-year-old’s combination of athleticism and skill makes him a threat on both ends of the floor. Shooting over 50% from the field, he’s shown growth in every aspect of his game.
With averages of 19.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks, Johnson’s numbers are all-star worthy. As the Hawks continue to push for a top six spot in the East, Johnson makes plenty of winning plays on the court.
5. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams has been a standout for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, helping the team maintain its position as the best in the Western Conference. A gifted athlete, Williams can drive to the basket, score when needed, and make plays with his strong decision-making.
This season, Williams has set career highs in points (20.6), rebounds (5.7), assists (5.2), and steals (1.8). His all-around game has been crucial to the Thunder’s success, and his impressive performance should give him a chance at making the All-Star Team.
4. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have taken the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and a big part of their success this season is Evan Mobley. While Cleveland has built a talented roster over the past few years, it’s Mobley’s elevated play that has truly pushed them into contender status. His length and presence around the basket make him a defensive game-changer, and he’s also developed offensively, providing another crucial scoring option.
Mobley is putting up a career-high 18.6 points per game, alongside 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 blocks. The Cavaliers will certainly be sending at least one player to the All Star Game, and Mobley should absolutely be in the conversation.
3. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have been one of the biggest surprises of the NBA season, spending much of the year in the top 3 of the Western Conference. A major reason for this success is Alperen Sengun, who has blossomed into one of the league’s most skilled young players. The 22-year-old’s exceptional footwork and smooth play in the paint make him a dangerous player for opposing defenses to stop.
Sengun leads the team with averages of 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His all-around game has been pivotal to Houston’s success, and he’s undoubtedly deserving of a spot on the All-Star team this year.
2. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons haven’t had much to cheer for in recent years, but Cade Cunningham is giving them plenty of reasons to be excited. He’s taken his game to new heights this season, leading the Pistons in their push for a top six spot in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham has been outstanding as a scorer, ranking in the top 15 in the league, and he’s also been a high-level playmaker, sitting 3rd in assists per game.
Averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, Cunningham has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. With his strong all-around performance, he’s more than deserving of an All-Star nod this season.
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
While the Spurs may still be a few years away from contending, Victor Wembanyama is already proving he’s worth the wait. At just 21 years old, he’s showing off a combination of skill and size that’s rarely seen in the NBA. Every time he’s on the court, he changes the game, whether it’s finishing over defenders or using his elite defense to alter plays.
Averaging 24.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game, Wembanyama leads the league in blocks, with his 4.0 per game significantly higher than anyone else in the NBA. His incredible all-around performance has earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-Star team.
