The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is more than two months away, yet several players are already positioning themselves for a maiden trip to the mid-season showcase.
First-time All-Star contenders
In the Eastern Conference, Josh Giddey (Bulls), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Jalen Duren (Pistons) and Norman Powell (Heat) have emerged as serious candidates, according to reporting by The Athletic. Out West, the publication highlights Austin Reaves (Lakers), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Chet Holmgren (Thunder) and Jamal Murray (Nuggets) as the most plausible first-time selections.
ESPN’s Zach Kram lists Duren among seven “near-locks” in the East. Giddey, Johnson and Powell remain on Kram’s “bubble” line, while Murray could face stiff competition for one of the West’s 12 spots despite a career-best first half. Kram notes that eight international slots and possible injury replacements could still open a path for the Denver guard.
Early look at the 2026 draft
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has appeared in only two games this season, yet he sits atop Sam Vecenie’s latest mock draft for The Athletic. Peterson is projected ahead of Duke forward Cameron Boozer and BYU wing AJ Dybantsa. North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson holds the No. 4 spot, while Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. rounds out the top five. Tennessee forward Nate Ament has fallen out of Vecenie’s first tier.
NBA Cup notes
An ESPN panel split its pick for group-stage MVP between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two votes each. The panel also named the Lakers the team most likely to upset Oklahoma City in the upcoming knockout round, earning three of five votes.
Impact of familiarity on shooting efficiency
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton analyzed how roster continuity affects shooting percentages. His data-driven review cites Cameron Johnson, Desmond Bane and Myles Turner—all off-season movers—among players who began the season slowly while adjusting to new environments.
Former G League players in NCAA action
The Athletic’s Lindsay Schnell reports on the growing number of athletes who transitioned from the G League to college programs. Baylor coach Scott Drew commented, “We either adapt to the rules or we get left behind. So until something changes, I guess all of us are watching G League games now.”
The 2026 All-Star selection process, evolving draft boards and fresh tournament formats continue to reshape the NBA landscape as the regular season approaches its midway point.
Source: Hoops Rumors
