Five players who could be named first-time NBA All-Stars during the 2023-24 season

The 2023-24 NBA season tips off on Tuesday. Each year, we see a number of players earn the distinction of becoming All-Stars for the first time in their careers, and this season should be no different.

Here are four players who could emerge as first-time All-Stars this season. 

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets 

A three-and-D specialist for the majority of his career, Bridges proved that he was capable of much more after being sent to Brooklyn at last season's trade deadline. Bridges, who averages 13.1 for his career, immediately stepped in as the primary scoring option for a Nets team that desperately needed one, averaging 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists across 27 regular season games. 

Despite Bridges' rapid rise after arriving in Brooklyn, the new-look roster unsurprisingly had some trouble gelling, posting an 11-13 record after the All-Star break. To secure an All-Star selection, Bridges will likely need to maintain a similar level of production from the second half of last season, and Brooklyn must be within range of a playoff spot before the voting process concludes. 

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks 

One of the biggest snubs from last season's All-Star Game, Brunson should have an easier time collecting votes after his breakout season in New York, where he guided the Knicks to their first playoff series win since 2013. The 27-year-old took his omission from the All-Star festivities personally, averaging 27.1 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds across 19 games after the reserves were announced.   

Brunson was the first non-All-Star to land a $100 million deal with a new team in free agency, and some skepticism about his success likely prevented him from playing in the event last season. But now that fans and media know that Brunson is the face of the franchise, the Knicks will probably only need a similar record to last season for him to get voted into the 2024 All-Star Game. 

Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

The former third overall draft pick built on a promising rookie year by cementing himself as one of the top defenders and brightest young stars in the NBA last season, and he's only going to improve. Mobley averaged 16.2 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a sophomore while leading the league in defensive win shares (4.8).

It might be difficult for Mobley to earn an All-Star nod, considering he plays on a team with several worthy candidates and he's in an Eastern Conference loaded with frontcourt talent. Nevertheless, if he takes another step as a defender, just as sportsbooks are predicting by giving him the second-shortest odds to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award (+750), Mobley should garner plenty of support for All-Star consideration. 

Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets 

Murray has been one of the most underrated players in the Association for years, but he should get the All-Star recognition he deserves after helping the Nuggets capture their first championship in franchise history last season. After averaging 20 points and a career-high 6.2 assists during the regular season, Murray really came alive during the playoffs, putting up 26.1 points, 7.1 assists and 5.7 rebounds across 20 postseason games. 

Given that last season was Murray's return after tearing his ACL in 2021, it's possible that his playoff totals could mirror what he'll average this year. And if that's the case, Murray won't be disrespected in the All-Star balloting like he was last time around, when he finished 21st among Western Conference guards. 

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs 

Only two rookies (Yao Ming and Blake Griffin) have been named All-Stars since the turn of the century, but the 7-foot-4 French phenom could accomplish the feat. Although he struggled during the Summer League, the most highly anticipated draft prospect since LeBron James has taken the NBA by storm during the preseason, giving us a glimpse into the kind of player he truly is.

In four preseason games, Wembanyama averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.8 blocks and one steal while producing plenty of unbelievable highlights for someone with his frame. Coming off a 22-60 season, San Antonio probably won't be in the mix for a playoff spot, which could hurt Wembanyama's All-Star candidacy. However, if he continues to be this dominant throughout the year, his performance, uniqueness and international popularity will keep him in consideration for a selection.