This past All-Star game featured 6 first timers. With this in mind we can surely expect a few more first timers in the 25-26 All-Star game, especially with injuries to perennial All-Stars such as Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Tyrese Haliburton. With that in mind here are 5 players who I am expecting to take the leap and become a first time All-Star this season.

Franz Wagner

Franz Wagner’s 2024-2025 campaign was one that made a lot of heads turn, specifically in a stretch of games without Paolo Banchero, where the Orlando Magic went 12-1, with Wagner averaging 27 PPG and 7 APG in that stretch. At this point in the season many thought that Wagner would be a shoo in for the All-Star game. However, following a torn oblique, his hopes of making the game were shot down.

With all of the injuries that have plagued the Eastern Conference, Wagner is an easy prediction to make his first All-Star team. Wagner has portrayed a premier ability to finish once he gets into the paint. He shoots 65% from less than 5ft from the basket, and utilizes a variety of hooks and step throughs to get a shot off in that area. In addition to this, Wagner demonstrated an underrated passing game this past season, with him being in the 93rd percentile in AST%. 

The one question with Wagner’s game has always been his outside shooting, especially on a team that needs it as much as Orlando does. However, aside from the shooting, Wagner is good to elite at every other facet of the game, and he has an excellent shot at making his first All-Star game this season.

Derrick White

In his time as a Celtic, Derrick White has been the model 3&D role player. White has made 2 All-Defensive teams with the Celtics, and this past season shot 38% from three on 9 attempts a game. Now with the injury to Jayson Tatum, and departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, White’s role will surely increase. 

Over the past 3 years with the Celtics, Derrick White’s PPG has steadily increased, even with the surplus of talent, with him averaging a career high 16.4 PPG this past season. White did this with a usage rate of 20%, which would have him in the 49th percentile. The fact that White was able to have this level of production without the ball in his hands is a testament to his off-ball ability. However, we can expect that Joe Mazulla will have to rely on him, which is sure to lead to even higher production, potentially at the cost of efficiency. 

Pair this increased role in the Celtics offense with the elite defense that White brings, and Derrick White could have a real chance at making the All-Star team in a depleted Eastern Conference.

Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac may be the easiest player to predict as a first time All-Star. Zubac is coming off his best year, where he made All-Defensive second team and came second in MIP voting. Add on the fact that he averaged a career high in points, assists, and rebounds, and it’s clear that Zubac has taken the next step. With that in mind it would be fairly easy for Zubac to make a push for his first All-Star appearance this upcoming season.

Zubac was easily one of the best defensive players in the league last year, anchoring the Clipper’s 3rd best defense in the league. The stats back up the impact that Zubac has had on the defensive end, with him being in the 93rd percentile of rim defense. Zubac’s paint defense goes beyond just stopping a player once they are at the rim though. He also does an excellent job at deterring players from attacking the basket, with him being in the 36th percentile of opponent rim frequency. Zubac has also been a monster on the defensive glass, with him averaging 12.6 rebounds a game this past season, and being in the 100th percentile of defensive rebound quality. 

Zubac’s elite defense, paired with his ability as a lob threat with James Harden as his point guard, set him up to be a potential All-Star this upcoming season.

Amen Thompson

The last guy that I am predicting to make their first All-Star team is more of a long shot, not because of his play but rather because of the talent that surrounds him. Amen Thompson may be one of, if not the, most athletic player we have ever seen and his defensive versatility speaks for itself. The one obstacle that may stand in his way is the fact that he is surrounded by a guaranteed lock of an All-Star in Kevin Durant, and a player who just made his first All-Star game in Alperen Sengun.However, with that in mind, I still believe that Amen Thompson has a real shot at making it this year.

Amen Thompson made All-Defensive first team this past year, and has been one of the premier defenders in terms of versatility. Thompson’s athleticism gives him the ability to defend the rim and an amazing rate for a player of his height, with Amen being in the 94th percentile of rim defense. Throw in the havoc that he is able to cause in passing lanes, and his ability to lock down any perimeter defender, and the defensive prowess is no question for Amen Thompson. The side of the ball that may prevent Thompson from making the All-Star team is the offensive side, specifically because of his lack of jump shooting. Thompson shot a measly 28% from deep. However, outside of the 3 point shooting, Thompson’s offensive game is solid. He does a great job using his athleticism to get to the rim and finish. Additionally, his progression as a primary ball handler has shown his playmaking ability.

Despite the talent that surrounds him, I truly believe that thanks to his outstanding defense, finishing ability, and playmaking ability, Amen Thompson will make his first All-Star team this season.