A way-too-early prediction of five first-time NBA All-Stars in 2023-24

Future NBA All-Star #2: Alperen Sengun

Moving to a guy that might not have as friendly of an argument when it comes to team success, Alperen Sengun is still a name to watch moving into next season.

Compared to his rookie season, Sengun has increased his field goal percentage, three-point percentage, points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game by 30 percent or greater this year.

• 1/16/2023 = 33 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, 14-17 FG, 2-2 3PT
• 1/18/2023 = 24 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 10-16 FG
• 1/21/2023 = 19 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 7-9 FG
• 1/23/2023 = 21 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 8-12 FG, 1-2 3PT
• 1/25/2023 = 21 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 10-16 FG

It’s no coincidence that Anthony Edwards considered him the guy to strategize against whenever they face Houston. Sengun also leads the Rockets in total win shares and value over replacement player rating this season.

Future NBA All-Star #1: Onyeka Okongwu

These lists are only fun if you throw out at least one curveball that nobody could have predicted. While the Atlanta Hawks have not had the most ideal season this year after adding former all-star Dejounte Murray, that has not left them empty in terms of bright spots. It’s clear that injuries have also played a part in this team not meeting their expectations so far this season.

A prime example is Clint Capela, who has missed 16 of the 59 games played before the break. Insert Onyeka Okongwu, the player who has suited up on more nights than any other Hawks player this season.

In the 17 games that Okongwu has started for Atlanta this season, here are his per-game averages:

• 10.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 1.2 APG, 1 SPG, 57.8% FG

Another fascinating detail about whether a breakout season for Okongwu could be on the horizon is the recent change in playing time. Since being selected sixth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, his playing time has increased every season. Simultaneously, Capela’s playing time has diminished with every growing season.

While Capela is still only 28 years old and a team option on the table for Okongwu this summer, a likely outcome would be for the Hawks to renegotiate a cheaper long-term deal with the standout 22-year-old and see what value they could get for Clint Capela while he is still within his prime window.

At the same time, John Collins often finds himself in trade rumors every couple of months. If the conflict of playing time can be resolved in favor of Okongwu, one can expect to see plenty of pick-and-roll actions between him and Trae Young that would work to his benefit as an all-star candidate.