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NBA's Rising First-Time All-Star Candidates for 2027: Top Picks and Dark Horses

  • Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks: Averaged 21.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, including a 51-point game at 19 years old during 2025-26. Over his last 26 full games, he upped averages to 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. With Kyrie Irving back, Flagg’s efficiency could rise, and even without Irving, his second-year growth could secure an All-Star spot. The main challenge: if the Mavericks struggle again, his chances might be limited due to team performance.
  • Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets: Posted 16.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, shooting 38.9% from three. Started last season strong with 20.3 points and 45.2% from deep before a hamstring injury. If healthy and maintaining scoring opportunities alongside Nikola Jokić, Gordon could become a first-time All-Star this year. The concern is his health and if his numbers will be high enough amidst shared roles.
  • Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers: Registered 23.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.5 APG with a 64.1% true shooting percentage. He averaged nearly 29 points in his first 18 games before injury interrupted his run. Reaves thrives both with and without Luka Dončić on the floor, suggesting he can shine as a primary or secondary scorer. Defensive consistency is a question, which could affect his All-Star case.
  • Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets: Scored 18.3 PPG, grabbed 7.8 RPG, and dished 5.3 APG, with 3 offensive rebounds per game. Defensively recognized with a Defensive Player of the Year vote in 2024-25 and All-Defensive second team selection last year. While his free throw improvement (77.9%) offers hope, his 21.6% three-point shooting remains a hurdle for increasing offensive impact.
  • Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic: Averaged 20.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.3 APG in 34 games. Excellent free throw shooter (82.3%) and floater accuracy (51.6%), but his three-point shot has yet to develop. If Wagner can improve his perimeter shooting this season, his scoring could rise significantly. At six years into his career, this is still uncertain.
  • Coby White, Charlotte Hornets: Posted 17.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, hitting 36.2% from three. Without LaMelo Ball on court, he averaged 33.2 points and 7.2 assists per 75 possessions in limited minutes last season. Given Hornets' trust in their roster sans LaMelo, White may get more chances. Yet, his peak might have already passed based on prior Chicago stats.

Players Knocking on the Door

  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks: Improved from 9.4 to 20.8 PPG last year, shooting 39.9% from three. Known for elite shooting and versatile defense, but much of his scoring came off-ball. Significant improvement in isolation and pick-and-roll scoring needed for an All-Star breakthrough.
  • Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs: Averaged 16.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 7.4 APG, including a 40-point triple-double. Strong defender and scorer who could reach higher levels with better pull-up shooting. Shooting consistency remains a major question.
  • Keyonte George, Utah Jazz: Posted 23.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.1 APG with 37.1% three-point shooting. Borderline All-Star numbers with potential to increase assists as primary ball-handler. Defense needs improvement for a stronger case.
  • Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls: Logged 17.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.1 APG, tallying 13 triple-doubles. Could become a consistent 20/10/10 player if team defense improves. Newcomer Caleb Wilson might reduce his touches, potentially affecting output.
  • Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets: Averaged 20.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, shooting 38.3% from three. His scoring rate without LaMelo could rise, but efficiency and defensive effort must remain high. Recovering from shoulder surgery could influence his progress.
  • Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans: Recorded 21.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.8 APG with a 12 three-pointers single-game highlight. A dangerous shooter adding creation skills. Team struggles might limit All-Star chances despite personal success.

Others Worth Considering

  • OG Anunoby, New York Knicks: Scored 16.7 PPG with 5.2 RPG and 2.2 APG, delivering a finals game-winner. Elite defender and efficient scorer during championship run, but limited shot volume may cap his All-Star ceiling.
  • Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic: Posted 20.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, shooting 39.1% from deep. Could take a bigger offensive role under new coach Sean Sweeney. Competition for touches with other key players is stiff.
  • Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers: In just 5 games, averaged 14.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 1.8 BPG. Dominant rim protector with emerging three-point shooting. Needs a career-best offensive season to earn All-Star recognition amid Lakers’ talent.
  • Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets: Averaged 24.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, including 3.4 threes made per game. Despite strong first-half stats last season, Nets’ poor record kept him off the All-Star ballot. Sharing touches with Julius Randle may affect scoring.
  • Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics: Posted 17.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.2 APG with 37.7% from three. Without Jaylen Brown, he showed scoring and playmaking potential. Role clarity and competition for shots remain uncertain.
  • Ivica Zubac, Indiana Pacers: Averaged 14.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 3.4 offensive rebounds. Potential to flourish as part of a dynamic pick-and-roll duo if Tyrese Haliburton returns fully healthy. Offensive opportunities may be limited by roster depth.

Dark Horses to Watch

  • Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers: Averaged 12.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 1.7 BPG. Shot 34.1% from three and anchored interior defense effectively. Must maintain and expand playing time to make an All-Star case.
  • Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs: Posted 11.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, and scored 18 points per game in Finals. Marked improvement late in rookie year suggests potential for breakout. Depth chart may restrict minutes and touches.
  • Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets: Averaged 18.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, and set rookie record with 273 three-pointers. Elite shooter with solid pick-and-roll skills. Hamstring injury could delay his preseason start.
  • Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves: Put up 14.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, shooting 41.2% from deep. Renowned defender who may assume more scoring with roster changes. Primary scorers may limit his opportunities.
  • Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons: Averaged 9.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.1 APG and led the league in steals. Outstanding defender but limited offensive skillset, especially shooting. Increased minutes and development needed.
  • Derrick White, Boston Celtics: Scored 16.5 PPG, grabbed 4.4 RPG, dished 5.4 APG, and blocked 1.3 shots per game. Formerly a solid shooter who slumped last season. More scoring needed to boost All-Star chances.

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