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

Zion Williamson

Unlike the other athletes on this list, Zion Williamson’s case for being an All-Star this past season was non-existent because he had only played 10 games before the All-Star game itself. However, the 19-year-old has been the most coveted NBA rookie in recent memory for many, and made headlines all before he even played a single game.

Before Zion’s official debut, people had talked about the former Duke Blue Devil’s unlimited superstar potential as all of the spotlight shifted to the New Orleans Pelicans rookie. Before having even played an official regular-season game, Williamson inked a five-year $75 million shoe deal with Jordan Brand, the wealthiest annual shoe deal for a rookie in the history of the NBA, according to The Action Network’s Darren Rovell.

Having made his long-awaited debut in January of this year due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, he made sure it was worth the wait.In the 19 games this season, Williamson averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, having exceeded everyone’s expectations. If the No. 1 overall pick had played the season in its entirety from the jump, he would have undoubtedly been the first rookie All-Star since Blake Griffin in 2011.

Right now, health barring, Williamson has to be seen as a lock for next year’s game. If the rookie sensation can come off of knee surgery and immediately put up astronomical numbers such as he did, the thought of what he could do after an entire summer off is terrifying for the rest of the league.

With a great young core of players surrounding him and all the keys to succeed present, Williamson has provided all the reason to believe that he will be an All-Star next season.