NBA: 5 Rising stars that stood out in first wave of All-Star voting

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NBASALT LAKE CITY, UT- OCTOBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz is pressured by Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of the game at the Vivint Arena October 29, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)

Lauri Markkanen(Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) /

NBA All-Star #1: Lauri Markkanen F, Utah Jazz

Replacing an All-Star big man like Rudy Gobert is tough, but it looks like the Jazz have found their alternative. When Will Hardy’s team needs a tough bucket, No. 23 is the man for the job. Lauri Markkanen’s contributions on the hardwood keep Utah alive in a congested conference. His efforts are infectious, spreading to each one of his teammates.

This season, Utah’s forward ranks fifth among his peers in scoring (24.5) and sixth in rebounding (8.4), competing with elite players like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. A stat line like Markkanen’s deserves MVP honors despite his team’s ranking in the current standings.

All-Star voting is exciting and allows fans to watch the best players from each conference perform. For some athletes, an invitation to the league’s best pick-up game is an honor used as motivation to complete the season.

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As the NBA tallies the remaining factors in the voting process, fans can expect to witness the next generation of basketball unfold before their eyes. The league is improving, giving an opportunity to some rising talent.