Who Will Be the NBA's Next First-Time All-Stars? Top Picks and Long Shots for 2027

In 2026, six players earned their first All-Star selections: Deni Avdija, Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Jamal Murray, and Norm Powell. Looking ahead to 2027, here are 24 players categorized by likelihood who could make their debut as All-Stars.

Best Bets

• Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks2025-26 Stats: 21.0 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 4.5 APG | Scored 51 points at age 19The Breakdown: Flagg closed last season averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over his last 26 full games, establishing himself among the league's top 15-20 talents for a stretch. With Kyrie Irving back, his efficiency might rise further, but even without Kyrie, Flagg could improve in his second year. The catch is if the Mavericks struggle or don't win enough, it could delay his All-Star nod. Still, Flagg looks destined for the honor; it's just a matter of timing.
• Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets2025-26 Stats: 16.2 PPG | 5.8 RPG | 2.7 APG | 38.9% 3PTThe Breakdown: Gordon started last season strong, averaging 20.3 points while shooting 45.2% from three and playing solid defense, until a hamstring injury cut his season short. His mix of off-ball and on-ball scoring alongside Nikola Jokić showed promise. If he stays healthy and keeps his role, the Nuggets might have consecutive years with first-time All-Stars. The hurdle is his health and whether he'll get enough scoring chances.
• Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers2025-26 Stats: 23.3 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 5.5 APG | 64.1% TSThe Breakdown: Reaves averaged nearly 29 points in the first 18 games before injury stalled his season. His ability to thrive both alongside Luka Dončić and when Luka sits makes him a strong candidate. Staying healthy this year could finally get him an All-Star spot. The challenge is his defensive consistency, as opponents sometimes target him.
• Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets2025-26 Stats: 18.3 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 5.3 APG | 3.0 OREBThe Breakdown: Thompson earned Defensive Player of the Year votes in 2024-25 and made the All-Defensive second team last season. He became an 18-point scorer last year and influences many facets of the game. Even with Fred VanVleet taking some playmaking duties, Thompson might score more as a shooter and cutter. A breakthrough year seems possible. However, his poor three-point shooting (21.6%) remains a problem defenders exploit.
• Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic2025-26 Stats: 20.6 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 3.3 APG | Played 34 GamesThe Breakdown: Wagner's free throw (82.3%) and floater accuracy (51.6%) are excellent, but his three-point shot hasn't developed. If that improves, his scoring could spike significantly. He's a skilled passer, defender, and rebounder. The main question is whether his jump shot will ever become reliable after six seasons.
• Coby White, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 17.4 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 4.0 APG | 36.2% 3PTThe Breakdown: With LaMelo Ball off the floor, White averaged impressive numbers, showing potential as a scorer and shooter with space to attack the paint. The Hornets seem comfortable moving forward without LaMelo, which could boost White’s profile. The risk is that White might have already peaked as a 20-point scorer and last season's surge could be due to opponents focusing less on him.

Players Knocking on the Door

• Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks2025-26 Stats: 20.8 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.7 APG | 39.9% 3PTThe Breakdown: Alexander-Walker doubled his scoring last season and boasts elite shooting and solid passing skills. His pick-and-roll leadership for Team Canada hints at growth. The concern is his low isolation and pick-and-roll scoring percentiles, meaning he needs to improve self-creation to boost scoring further.
• Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 7.4 APG | Recorded a 40-point triple-doubleThe Breakdown: Castle is a strong defender with scoring bursts. If he can develop a consistent pull-up jumper, he could reach All-NBA levels. The problem is his historically inconsistent shooting and competition for touches with teammates Fox and Harper.
• Keyonte George, Utah Jazz2025-26 Stats: 23.6 PPG | 3.7 RPG | 6.1 APG | 37.1% 3PTThe Breakdown: George posted near-All-Star level stats last season. With an improved roster and primary ball-handler role, he may see more assists and scoring opportunities. Defense remains a weakness that could limit his impact and recognition.
• Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls2025-26 Stats: 17.0 PPG | 8.3 RPG | 9.1 APG | 13 Triple DoublesThe Breakdown: Giddey is close to averaging triple-double numbers. Improvements in defense and shooting could push him to 20/10/10 territory. Yet, new draftee Caleb Wilson may take touches, and if the Bulls don’t improve as a team, voters might overlook him despite strong stats.
• Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 20.2 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 3.3 APG | 38.3% 3PTThe Breakdown: Miller performed well without LaMelo last season and could become a primary scorer. He needs to maintain high efficiency and defense. Recovery from offseason shoulder surgery is a factor that might influence his progress.
• Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans2025-26 Stats: 21.5 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.8 APG | Made 12 3-pointers in one gameThe Breakdown: Murphy’s shooting and improved ball-handling have boosted his scoring. If his creation skills continue developing, his stats could rise. The Pelicans’ likely absence from playoffs and tough Western Conference competition may limit his All-Star chances.

On the Edge

• OG Anunoby, New York Knicks2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 2.2 APG | Hit a Finals game-winning shotThe Breakdown: Anunoby’s strong defense and clutch scoring during a championship run show All-Star potential. Increased scoring would help, but limited shot volume during the season might hold him back.
• Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic2025-26 Stats: 20.1 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 4.1 APG | 39.1% 3PTThe Breakdown: Bane has scoring ability and pick-and-roll creativity. If the Magic increase his usage, he could excel. Orlando’s crowded offense with Banchero and Wagner sharing touches creates a challenge.
• Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers2025-26 Stats (5 games): 14.4 PPG | 10.8 RPG | 3.0 APG | 1.8 BPGThe Breakdown: Kessler’s rim protection is elite, limiting opponents' close shots substantially. Offensively, Luka Dončić should provide easy scoring opportunities. Adding three-point shooting could elevate his numbers. Yet, dominant defenders don’t always get All-Star recognition without offensive career highs.
• Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets2025-26 Stats: 24.2 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 3.0 APG | 3.4 3PMThe Breakdown: Porter was producing All-Star worthy numbers before the break last year despite the Nets' struggles. With a stronger team this season, he might gain the recognition he missed previously. Sharing touches with Julius Randle could affect his output.
• Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics2025-26 Stats: 17.0 PPG | 3.9 RPG | 5.2 APG | 37.7% 3PTThe Breakdown: Pritchard excelled without Jaylen Brown, showing potential as Boston's second scorer. More offense could come his way, but uncertainty about starting role and competition for shots with Tatum, Paul George, and others remains.
• Ivica Zubac, Indiana Pacers2025-26 Stats: 14.1 PPG | 10.6 RPG | 2.2 APG | 3.4 OREBThe Breakdown: Paired with Tyrese Haliburton, Zubac could form a strong pick-and-roll duo. His post scoring and defense are strengths. Still, ample touches in a team filled with creators are necessary to earn All-Star consideration.

Long Shots

• Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers2025-26 Stats: 12.1 PPG | 11.6 RPG | 2.1 APG | 1.7 BPGThe Breakdown: Clingan combines rim protection and floor spacing, making him rare among big men. Opponents shoot 12% worse within six feet when he defends. Sustaining his performance over more minutes could boost his case.
• Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs2025-26 Stats: 11.8 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.9 APG | 18.0 PPG in FinalsThe Breakdown: Harper’s shooting improved dramatically late last season, culminating in an 18-point Finals average. Another year of development could lead to a breakout. But competition for touches and minutes is stiff on the Spurs.
• Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 3.4 APG | Set rookie record with 273 3-pointersThe Breakdown: Knueppel is one of the league's best shooters and could take more attempts without LaMelo. His passing and ball handling distinguish him from typical spot-up shooters. However, a preseason hamstring injury delays his start, putting him behind early.
• Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves2025-26 Stats: 14.8 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 2.7 APG | 41.2% 3PTThe Breakdown: Known for defense, McDaniels could take on more scoring responsibility with key teammates gone. LaMelo Ball’s playmaking might open up more scoring chances, but Edwards and Ball still dominate offense and shots.
• Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons2025-26 Stats: 9.9 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 3.1 APG | Led league in stealsThe Breakdown: Thompson is an elite defender who played limited minutes last season. Increased playing time and improved shooting could push him closer to All-Star status. His outside shooting remains a major area for growth.
• Derrick White, Boston Celtics2025-26 Stats: 16.5 PPG | 4.4 RPG | 5.4 APG | 1.3 BPGThe Breakdown: If White regains his shooting form from previous years, he could have a standout season. His defense and playmaking are strong assets. Without Jaylen Brown, more opportunities may arise. The risk is a return to previous shooting inconsistency.