Each year, several NBA players take the leap from being very good to being all-star-caliber players, and the 2023–24 season has been no different. In fact, there could be record turnover, with as many as seven new players making their first all-star team. That is, of course, great for the NBA since it would give them seven new stars to market and could help them as some of their older stars age.
LeBron James is nearing 40, while Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are both in their mid-30s, and while each may make the all-star team again this season, it's clear that the league needs a newer generation of stars to emerge. With that being said, let's take a look at seven potential first-time all-stars in 2023–24.
7) Chet Holmgren
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren missed all of last season but is considered a rookie and appears to be neck and neck with Victor Wembanyama in the race for Rookie of the Year. While winning would be a major honor, most don't make the all-star team in the same season. Holmgren has a chance, however.
He is on the third-best team in the Western Conference and has been a part of their success, averaging nearly 17 points as well as 8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. In fact, his elite rim protections have been key to the Thunder's sixth-ranked defense after it ranked 14th last season with him sidelined.
Even still, he'll have a lot of competition for a spot on the all-star team and his best bet to make the roster is if there are a few injuries that would put him in the mix to be selected. That might make him sound undeserving of a spot.
But with the rosters arbitrarily set at 12 and main stars like LeBron, Durant, Curry, Luka Donic, and Nikola Jokic all locked in to make the team, there are really only a handful of spots up for grabs. And while he might not be at the top of the coach's list, he's managed to give himself a chance by being exceptionally good as a rookie.