7 NBA stars likely to make their first All-Star team in 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
5) Victor Wembanyama
2023 number-one overall pick Victor Wembanyama has had a terrific start to his career, proving that he is worth the hype. If he is able to keep that play up over the first half of this season, then he would be a shoo-in to make the All-Star team.
If Wembanyama does actually make the team, he would be just the 46th rookie ever to do so in the NBA's 76-year history. Actually, he would join Yao Ming and Blake Griffin as the only rookies to make the All-Star team in the 21st century, but he would be just the third Spur to do so, with Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan also achieving the rare feat.
With only 12 roster spots in the Western Conference (again, why only 12?) Wembanyama has done enough to warrant strong consideration and could even be voted in as a starter. After all, there is also a highlight reel and an international aspect to his candidacy.
Every time he plays, he does something that catches the attention of X, which is likely to draw in even casual NBA fans. Then there's his team's fanbase. The Spurs already have an international following, and with Wembanyama from France, he may pull in even more voters, giving him an good chance to rack up votes.
Even if he doesn't, there is a good chance that he will be rewarded with a reserve spot on the all-star team. With Ja Morant missing 25 games, he is unlikely to make the team, and that could be Wembanyama's spot if he continues to play well.