The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is coming up in just a few months, and a number of younger players are already making a case for their first selection.
This year’s All-Star Game introduces a new USA vs. World format, which will consist of 12 players from the Eastern Conference and 12 from the Western Conference. The World team will feature eight players, while the American players will be split into two teams of eight. After the voting, Adam Silver will be selecting players to address any roster issues. If that sounds a bit complicated, well, you’re not alone in that thought.
While roster mechanics can be a bit tedious to discuss, it’s undeniably exciting to watch young players develop. Only one player among those mentioned is over 24, yet each has shown noticeable growth since last season. Here’s a look at six players anticipated to make their All-Star debut in the Clippers’ 2026 game at Intuit Dome.
Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, seem to have taken a step forward this year. During the early season, they were on pace to set a new wins record, even before All-NBA star Jaylen Williams joined. Chet Holmgren’s development as a player is a significant factor in this improvement. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, Holmgren is really starting to thrive. His scoring has reached a career-high of 31.4 points per 100 possessions (up from 26.2 last season), along with an impressive shooting percentage of 68.1 percent (an increase from 59.9). He’s also posting a solid 3-point shooting percentage of around 36 percent and is central to the top-ranked defense in the league.
There’s no doubt Holmgren is becoming one of the elite big men in the league. Perhaps he could have been recognized last year, too, if not for a pelvic injury. Right now, only Nikola Jokic and Victor Wenbanyama might be visibly better centers. He’s destined for All-Star honors and will likely bring more accolades to the team as the season progresses. I’ve predicted a 70-win season for the Thunder, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Holmgren earns All-NBA recognition this year. It’s early, but things are looking promising.
Jaylen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons
Back during the 2022 draft, I had high expectations for Duren, rating him among the top five picks. Detroit made a smart choice by grabbing him at 13. Now in his fourth season, the 22-year-old has shown remarkable comfort with the ball, making him a dynamic scorer. Duren has dominated play this season, sometimes resembling a young Dwight Howard, with averages of 34 points and 19.7 rebounds per 100 possessions (up from 21.7 last year) at an impressive 72 percent shooting rate. He may not shoot threes, but he does well from 18 feet and excels in vertical spacing. The most noticeable growth in his game has to be his ball handling, allowing him to navigate around slower centers. While his defensive skills didn’t meet expectations in college, he has become one of the best offensive centers in the league, thanks to his strength, length, jumping ability, and improved driving skills. The Pistons have a budding star in both Duren and standout point guard Cade Cunningham, and the team appears to be back on track after a few challenging years. Duren’s rise has been pivotal in this, as he continues to tap into his potential.
Josh Guidi, G, Chicago Bulls
Since the Bulls traded Zach LaVine in February, Guidi has looked like a transformed player. This season, he’s effectively utilized his 6’8 frame as one of the largest point guards in the league, overpowering smaller players with drives and getting to the line more frequently. His scoring has surged, reaching a career-high of 28 points per 100 possessions (up from 22.5 last year). Moreover, he’s consistently improved in assists and rebounds per 100 possessions. A critical concern is whether his 3-point shooting can remain at a high level; as of now, he’s hitting 38.6 percent from beyond the arc, though he takes about 5.5 attempts per 100 possessions. Being able to hit open shots is crucial for keeping defenses honest and creating space. Guidi has achieved this without Coby White, who just returned to the rotation, and the Bulls are settling into a rhythm after a rocky start. With the schedule easing up and White getting back into shape, if Guidi keeps his performance up, the Bulls could be in a good position this season.
Austin Reaves, G, Los Angeles Lakers
Reaves has been with the Lakers for some time now, but it’s remarkable how he continues to produce despite a sluggish start shooting from deep. The 27-year-old has emerged as a top-tier creator off the dribble, combining effective scoring and playmaking with outstanding efficiency, especially while playing alongside Luka Doncic. Currently, Reaves ranks as the 11th highest scorer in the NBA, averaging 37.4 points per 100 possessions, a significant jump from 28.5. Though he’s an impressive scorer shooting 65% overall, he’s still working on his 3-point percentage, which sits at 32%. Just imagine how much more dangerous he’ll be as that improves. Furthermore, his assist rate has increased significantly, going from 25 percent last year to 33 percent this season. He’s on the rise, potentially becoming one of the top guards in the league. With LeBron James back, the Lakers could become a serious contender this year, largely due to Reaves’ development.
Deni Avdija, F, Portland Trail Blazers
Avdija stepped up as the Trail Blazers’ top player last season after arriving from Washington and has made even further strides this year. The 6-foot-9 forward is excelling in drawing fouls and has become a strong force driving to the basket, averaging 35.2 points per 100 possessions (up from 27.4 last season). His shooting has also improved significantly, nearly double from two years ago, with a 37 percent success rate from three. His rebounding and playmaking skills continue to hold steady, although his defense seems to be dipping as he takes on a larger offensive role. This might be expected, considering the Blazers are playing at the second-fastest pace in the league, and Avdija is a key player in that strategy. With two years remaining on his contract at approximately $12 million per season, he’s considered a valuable asset. The Blazers appear to be on the path to a play-in position in the West, bolstered by having a genuine All-Star to build their future around.
Jalen Johnson, F, Atlanta Hawks
Johnson could have been an All-Star last year if not for a shoulder injury that cut his season short. This season, he’s further refined his skills and is arguably the best player on the Hawks, representing the prototype for the modern power forward. Johnson excels in transition, leveraging his 6-foot-9 frame to capitalize on scoring opportunities while assisting teammates thanks to his playmaking abilities. His 3-point shooting has always been inconsistent, but he’s currently hitting 40 percent from beyond the arc this year. Furthermore, he’s effective defensively, creating turnovers and making essential stops. The Hawks have actually performed better in games without him, causing some concern, but I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions just yet. Johnson’s physicality allows him to generate easy points for both himself and his teammates while also facilitating crucial defensive plays. A power forward like him would certainly be an asset for any team in the league.
