Although the NBA All-Star Game is two months away, it’s never too early to consider potential rosters for both conferences. It’s always interesting to look at players on the rise who could make their first All-Star appearance.
Last season, there were four first-time All-Stars — all from the Eastern Conference — with New York’s Jalen Brunson, Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, and Orlando’s Paolo Banchero making their debut in the mid-season event.
How many more are we going to see in 2025? Let’s look at some potential candidates, starting with the Western Conference:
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
The reigning Rookie of the Year had a shockingly slow start to the campaign but has picked it up as of late. Through his first 10 games, Victor Wembanyama averaged just 18.3 PPG while shooting 42.5 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from three. He notched a 50-point game versus the Wizards after that and has been streaking ever since.
Over his last 11, Wemby is putting up 28.5 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, and 3.0 BPG while sinking nearly four three-pointers per contest. The 7-foot-4 phenom is an anomaly and certainly on the right path to making his first of many All-Star appearances in 2025.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have maintained the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with Chet Holmgren on the mend. A big reason as to why has been Jalen Williams’ play on both ends of the floor. He’s always been an extremely efficient offensive player who knows when to score and when to facilitate.
This year, Williams has taken a leap defensively. There was a stretch where the Thunder didn’t have Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein. Williams was the de facto center in some of those lineups and held his own. He’s an odds-on favorite to make one of the two All-Defensive teams by season’s end. The Thunder have earned two All-Star spots, and Williams is a sure-fire pick alongside MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Three teams are currently battling for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. A recent surge from the Grizzlies has them slightly above their competitors, but the upstart Houston Rockets have been the most consistent of the bunch. The Rockets’ identity is built on defense and depth. It could be argued their two most indispensable players — Tari Eason and Amen Thompson — come off the bench.
From counting stats alone, it wouldn’t be that surprising if no Rocket ended up making the All-Star team. However, if they have the second-best record in the West heading into February, they’ll almost certainly get one nod. Sengun is the team’s offensive hub and most skilled player. The 22-year-old center is a triple-double threat every night and is bound to make an All-Star appearance at some point in his career.
