5 Rapidly emerging stars who will be first-time All-Stars in 2025

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Last season's Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama lived up to the 'generational player' tag, averaging 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, 47 percent, 33 percent from three, and 80 percent on free throws. In one of the most dominant rookie seasons in recent memory, Wembanyana finished runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being an All-Defensive First Team selection and winning Rookie of the Year. Superstardom from Wemby could mean playoffs for the Spurs in 2024-25.

San Antonio reshaped its backcourt this offseason, as it hopes to build a roster around its French phenom. The organization drafted UConn guard Stephon Castle with the fourth pick and signed future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul. The Spurs also drafted Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, only to trade him to Minnesota for draft assets. Quietly having amassed an underrated haul of draft picks, San Antonio could acquire a disgruntled star with their draft assets and youth.

The team also acquired Harrison Barnes from the Kings in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade. Wemby also averaged nearly four blocks and over one steal per game in his rookie season. The efficiency is likely to improve, and he will have to lower his turnovers (nearly four per game), but it's only up from here for the team's franchise player. A competitive season that keeps San Antonio in play-in contention could be all it takes for Wembanyama to earn an All-Star selection next season.

Each one of these players have become either the franchise cornerstones or 'X-factors' for their respective teams, increasing not only team success but also player success and recognition. With that in mind, several breakouts outside of this list have become significantly higher in the league's 'Parity Era'.