Looking at top potential NBA All-Star first-timers this season

With the 2021 NBA All-Star Game just around the corner, former league MVPs such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are already considered as All-Star locks by now.

Superstars like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Bradley Beal, Kawhi Leonard, and Damian Lillard have also emerged as top favorites for this year’s All-Star Game. 

Even younger talents like Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell are bound for another All-Star Game appearance this year.

Despite having only 12 All-Star spots assigned for each conference, here are 3 potential first-time All Stars who could possibly secure a spot and make their All-Star Game debuts this season.

Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls has been part of multiple All-Star weekends in the past as a participant in the Slam Dunk Contest. The high-flying 6-foot-5 guard, who is considered as one of the best dunkers in league history, took home the Slam Dunk Contest trophies in 2015 and in 2016.

This season, the 25-year-old LaVine has shown that there is so much more to his game than his flashy dunks as he has been shooting the lights out for the Bulls, averaging 28.2 points on 43.1% shooting from downtown, along with 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

With the way LaVine has been playing as of late, he is most likely on his way to becoming the first Chicago Bull All-Star since Jimmy Butler in 2017.

Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown has been a revelation for the Boston Celtics this season. Brown, the third-overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has finally taken his game to the next level, putting up All-Star numbers of 26.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season. 

Known for his defense in the past, Brown has evolved into a legitimate two-way player, averaging more points than his All-Star teammates Tatum and Kemba Walker to lead Boston in the scoring department. 

With his impressive play this season, it would not be surprising to see the young Celtics duo of Brown and Tatum in this year’s All-Star Game.

Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson, the No.1 overall pick of the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft, is finally coming out of his shell after being slowed down by injuries last season.

Similar to LaVine, the 20-year-old Williamson is showing everyone that he is more than just a human highlight reel as he is averaging 24.6 points on a very high 61.5% shooting from the field, to go with 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season.

In just his second year in the league, Williamson is becoming a force to be reckoned with inside the paint, and it would be exciting to see him compete against the best of the best in the upcoming All-Star Game. 

Honorable Mention: De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings, Julius Randle of the New York Knicks, and Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons

– Rappler.com