Being named an all-star is considered an extraordinary feat in the NBA, giving credit to those players who are having excellent seasons.

Now, in 2022-23, there are players who can average over 22 points per game and not be an All-Star. The talent in the league right now is at an all-time high, so being named as an All-Star (roughly one of the top 24 players in the league, barring replacements) is simply amazing.

It’s also on the checklist of a player’s legacy. Checking off that All-Star on a player’s career helps measure how good that player truly was, both for their peak (were they even good enough to get an All-Star spot?) and longevity (how many times were they an All-Star?).

That’s why being a first-time All-Star is so great for players. They finally get the reward for all of their hard work and are recognized as one of the league’s premier players. However, not all firs-time All-Stars are built the same; some may be older, some may be injury replacements, some may even be starters in their first All-Star appearance. With that said, this year’s All-Star Game brings six first-time All-Stars to the table.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: At age 24, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is finally having that crazy breakout season that NBA fans have seen flashes of since his first season in Oklahoma City (2019-20) when he averaged 19 points per game. Now, he’s at 30.8 per game, good enough for 5th in the league, on an incredibly efficient 62.4 TS%. He is arguably the league’s best driver and is the engine of the Thunder offense that ranks 12th in the league (jumps to 3rd when SGA is on the court). Not to mention, he’s having the best defensive season of his career. There’s simply no denying that SGA is deserving of this All-Star spot, and expect him to be a perennial All-Star from this point on.

Lauri Markkanen: Vegas (usually) knows best, and the odds currently are that Lauri Markkanen wins the Most Improved Player award this year. Of anybody on this list, it is Markkanen who was least expected to be here. After averaging 15 points per game on a 57 TS% in his first five years in the league. Year 6 at age 25 has brought forth 24.9 points per with a 65.7 TS%. His combination of volume and efficiency makes him one of this season’s top scorers and undeniably deserving of this All-Star spot. With Zion Williamson’s injury, Makkanen has been named a starter in his All-Star Game debut.

Tyrese Haliburton: The Indiana Pacers made a legitimate effort to put the ball in Tyrese Haliburton’s hands this season, and it has undoubtedly paid off. Haliburton is averaging 19.9 points and 10.1 assists (4th in the league), as he is the true engine of the team. Merely 33% of his shots are being assisted on, as he has become an incredible self-creator and playmaker. Although the Pacers have fallen to a 26-34 record and the 12th seed in the East, there’s no doubt that Halliburton's impact on this team is incredible; without him, they would be at the level of the Hornets and Pistons.

Anthony Edwards: Being an injury replacement places Anthony Edwards into the All-Star Game, certainly something he deserves. He is quietly averaging 24.7 points per game, as the Timberwolves have been climbing the standings to the point where they currently sit at 6th. Edwards is one of the league’s best scorers and shot creators, as only 37% of his shots have been assisted on this season. Simply put, his career year has been rewarded in proper fashion.The West’s guards are incredibly tough and deep, but Edwards will likely be an All-Star for years and years to come.

Jaren Jackson Jr.: With only 40 games played, Jaren Jackson Jr. is clearly the most questionable All-Star spot. There’s no denying his Defensive Player of the Year case, as he alters shots so effectively around the rim and leads the league in blocks per game with 3.3. Additionally, he has started to find his three point shot again (35.6 3PT%), culminating in his career season that has helped propel Memphis to the 2nd seed in the West. With that said, it’s hard to place him over Anthony Davis, per se. He’s only 23, so he has continued room for growth, projecting to be a perennial All-Star due to his perennial DPOY projection.

De’Aaron Fox: Who would have thought the Sacramento Kings would currently be the 3rd seed in the West? Nobody, really. Along with Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox -- an injury replacement -- has been really, really good for the Kings. Fox is up to averages of 24.8 points and 6.2 assists per game for the league’s most shocking team. The Kings’ 2nd ranked offense is largely propelled by Fox and his ability to create his own shot and for others. In such a deep Western Conference guard room, it feels like Fox is the least likely to become a perennial All-Star of the other Western guards on this list.

Charlie Spungin , NBA Analyst

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