4 rising talents who could become a first-time NBA All-Star in 2023

First-time NBA All-Star candidates: Scottie Barnes

The reigning 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes comes as another potential All-Star next season. Barnes had a very productive rookie campaign with averages of 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a steal per game on 49% from the field with a true shooting percentage of 55%. Coming out of Florida State, many knew of Barnes’ elite defensive prowess, but few would have ever thought he would be this impactful early on.

Barnes was a big reason why the Raptors were able to make the postseason. Right now, he is probably the third scoring option behind All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam and All-Star guard Fred VanFleet. Barnes did not back down from any challenges guarding the best wings in the league last season from LeBron James to Kevin Durant to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He even stripped the ball from Durant and slammed it home on the other end during one of their meetings. That’s how special of a player he is on the defensive end.

For Barnes to make the All-Star game next season, he’ll have to improve his shooting and shot creation off the dribble. If the Raptors run more plays to give him more opportunities and score, potentially as the second option behind Siakam, then he could find his way to his first All-Star selection. Barnes surprised everyone last season with how far ahead he was offensively than many thought. With more improvements to his game offensively, he can find his way onto an NBA All-Star spot this season.