NBA: 4 players who could make their All-Star debut next season

Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies rookie phenom Ja Morant took a backseat to Zion Williamson when he first came into the league as the second overall draft choice in the most recent draft, but what he accomplished this season was astonishing.

Having played in 59 games before the NBA season suspended play, Morant averaged a stellar 17.6 points per game on 49.1 percent field goal shooting, and 36.7 percent shooting from behind the arc. The rookie also averaged 3.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, making his presence felt everywhere.

Led by Morant, Memphis finished as the 8-seed when the season suddenly halted and appeared to be bound for the postseason in a new era for the Grizzlies. Because of his all-around efforts, Morant undoubtedly solidified himself as the favorite for this year’s Rookie of the Year award, and many believed that he should have been an All-Star as well.

However, despite his fantastic rookie campaign, Morant’s case for All-Star honors was watered down by the competition and rightfully so. Morant played stellar basketball, but he was no match to overthrow such All-Star regulars as Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard, or James Harden, but his time could be coming sooner rather than later.

If Morant can avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump” and take a step further in his game next season, could he genuinely make the All-Star team? Luka Doncic, last season’s Rookie of the Year, did it, Morant could potentially be next.