Building on early All-NBA and All-Star projections, NBA All-Star voting has started under the new U.S. vs. international format, aiming for 24 players (at least 16 Americans, 8 internationals). Analysts spotlight nine deserving first-timers based on breakout performances amid injuries and team successes.
All-Star voting features fans (50% for starters), players, and media (25% each), with coaches selecting reserves. The format ensures conference balance (12 per side) and minimums per nationality, as previously detailed in initial season projections.
Several players flagged in early All-Star reserve talks now lead the first-time conversation:
Jamal Murray (Nuggets) is averaging career-high 24.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists on elite 50.1/44.7/89.6 shooting, including a 52-point game amid injuries to Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon.
Austin Reaves (Lakers), already on early All-NBA radars, posts 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists in 36.9 minutes at 50.3% FG, drawing 9.1 FTs at 87.5%—highlighted by 51 vs. Kings and 41 vs. Portland without Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Jalen Johnson (Hawks), another early reserve projection, leads with 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.6 steals on 51.6/38.5/81.3 shooting, including four straight triple-doubles before age 24 (joining Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson).
Chet Holmgren (Thunder) anchors the league's best defense (+16.8 point differential, NBA record), leading DPOY odds (+145) with 1.5 blocks in 28 minutes.
Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers) erupts for 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 37.7% on 6.4 3s, 81.2% on 9.6 FTs.
Norm Powell (Heat) adds 24.4 points, 3.7 rebounds at age-32 peaks: 49.3% FG, 42.9% on seven 3s.
Josh Giddey (Bulls) delivers 20.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists on 47.6/40.4 shooting.
Jalen Duren (Pistons, East-leading record) contributes 18 points, 11 rebounds (4th league-wide), 15/23 double-doubles, elite defense.
Derrick White (Celtics) provides 1.4 steals, 1.2 blocks (39.6% FG improving), high usage (24.2%) amid Jayson Tatum's Achilles issue and roster changes—one of two with 30 blocks/30 steals.
Exclusions like Franz Wagner (ankle sprain, noted earlier), Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks reflect stiff competition.
