"Two veterans in particular stand out. Jamal Murray has averaged more points in his playoff career (23.8) than Wilt Chamberlain (22.5), James Harden (22.5), Dwyane Wade (22.3) and Kawhi Leonard (21.6), yet he has never been an All-Star. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers put up historic numbers as the team's go-to guy early in the season, including a 51-point game that raised our understanding of his ceiling as a player and a buzzer-beater last week against the Minnesota Timberwolves."
"Over the course of his first season in Portland, Avdija emerged as the Blazers' best player, averaging 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists after the All-Star break with 50-40 shooting splits. He has picked up where he left off, putting up 22.7 PPG and 4.2 APG as Portland has started 4-2. If the Blazers can stay in the playoff mix, Avdija figures to be their most prominent All-Star candidate."
Over the past five years, the NBA has averaged between five and six new All-Stars per season, with six in 2025 including Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Alperen Sengun, Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Williams. Multiple players are positioned to make All-Star debuts in 2026. Jamal Murray has averaged 23.8 points in his playoff career—more than Wilt Chamberlain, James Harden, Dwyane Wade and Kawhi Leonard—yet has never been an All-Star. Austin Reaves produced a 51-point game and a buzzer-beater while serving as the Lakers' early go-to scorer. The All-Star showcase now features an international team versus two American squads. Avdija has emerged as Portland's leading candidate after strong post-All-Star numbers.
Read at ESPN.com
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