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Hopeful First-Time NBA All-Stars 2026: Jamal Murray Tops List

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aaron J Zacharias | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 7:00 AM ET

There aren’t many names across the NBA landscape that raise eyebrows when you find out they’ve never been selected to an NBA All-Star game. The NBA has never been so ripe with talent and skill as it is today. Of course, the thing about the All-Star game is there are only so many roster spots to go around. Every year, even some of the top players in the league don’t make the cut. The conversation usually surrounds the big names that were snubbed, like Trae Young last year, more so than the big names that made it. For several years, one name has gone each of his NBA seasons without cracking the selection group. That said, the upcoming season opens the door for some names to make their first appearance that should have already achieved it, and one of those hopeful first-time NBA All-Stars is Jamal Murray.

Hopeful First-Time NBA All-Stars 2026: Jamal Murray Tops List

Could this be the year Jamal Murray breaks through to his first NBA All-Star game?

The Denver Nuggets won their first championship in 2023, and Murray was instrumental during that postseason run. Murray tends to outshine his regular season when it comes to playoff time. Still, even though his regular seasons haven’t always matched his postseasons, Murray is still undeniably one of the top point guards in the league. It’s a puzzlement why he hasn’t made an All-Star game yet. Well, he, like the rest of the shortlisted players below, has a new opportunity to make the cut during the 2025-26 season.

Franz Wagner

Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots a three point basket during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Okay, so Franz Wagner isn’t exactly a superstar, but many non-superstars have made it as an All-Star season after season before, so it’s only fair the Magic forward makes the list. Wagner has been exceptional in Orlando, especially over the last two seasons. Coincidentally, the past two seasons are where the Magic have turned themselves into true contenders. Last season, Wagner averaged 24.2 PPG. He was the next most important Magic player outside of Paolo Banchero the entire season. Wagner has done a nice job setting himself up for an All-Star nod. If Orlando is a top team in the East, he should be accompanying Banchero to the All-Star contest this season.

Ivica Zubac

Apr 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) rebounds the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Ivica Zubac doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as he should — he’s only one of the top centers in the game right now, and has been for a couple of years. Zubac has become the Los Angeles Clippers‘ stalwart pillar of strength on the defensive end of the floor. He’s also a 60% field goal shooter and is a menace on the boards offensively. Of course, with the All-Star games, centers and big men are usually not the biggest draw, just ask Rudy Gobert. In any case, that’s no reason for someone like Zubac not to get recognized for his All-Star-worthy play.

OG Anunoby

May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

OG Anunoby‘s New York Knicks teammates were beating the drum for the elite defender to get selected as an All-Star last year. Unfortunately, it didn’t come to pass. This year, however, could be Anunoby’s year, as long as his offensive production mirrors what he does defensively. The former beloved Toronto Raptor averaged 18.0 PPG last season while shooting 37.6% from three. What may be Anunoby’s greatest roadblock, however, is the two teammates in front of him, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Still, if he was All-Star worthy last year, he should again be this year.

Jamal Murray

May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) gestures to his team during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The case against Murray has always been his lower regular-season production. Yet, he remains a 20-point scorer and has maintained that streak for the past four seasons. Murray, playing as the primary ball handler, has contributed significantly to Denver’s success over the past five years. Nikola Jokic has handled the overwhelming dominance. With Murray, the Nuggets would not be the every-year championship contenders that they are, and it’s why Murray should have already nabbed an All-Star nod more than anyone else above. If this isn’t the season Murray makes the cut, when will it be?

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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