NBA · 1 year ago

2024 NBA All-Star Game: Ranking the 4 Breakout First-Timers

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

1. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
2023-24 Stats: 27.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.5 APG, 48.3 FG%, 0.2 BPG, 0.9 SPG

All-Star Game MVP Odds: +3200

If you're the Dallas Mavericks, you have to still be kicking yourself over letting Jalen Brunson go, right? Brunson has turned into a borderline superstar for the New York Knicks and has helped put them in contention to win the Eastern Conference. Brunson took his game to another level in his first season with the Knicks last year, and he's already taken another step forward in 2023-24.
Ranking the 4 Breakout First-Timers
Four NBA players are set to make their All-Star Game debut this weekend from Indianapolis. SportsGrid ranks the four first-time NBA All-Stars.
4. Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors
2023-24 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 6.0 APG, 47.3 FG%, 1.5 BPG, 1.2 SPG

All-Star Game MVP Odds: +10000

Scottie Barnes is the new face of the franchise for the Toronto Raptors. Although he's stuffing the stat sheet on a lot of nights, there's still more growth needed in order for us to rank him higher on this list of first-time NBA All-Stars.
3. Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 Stats: 25.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, 44.9 FG%, 0.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG

All-Star Game MVP Odds: +7500

Tyrese Maxey has done an excellent job stepping up for the Philadelphia 76ers. With injury concerns surrounding Joel Embiid, Maxey has become the focal point on a lot of nights, which is a learning process. Progress isn't linear, though, and we really like what we've seen from Maxey as he continues to elevate his game to the All-Star level.
2. Paolo Banchero - Orlando Magic
2023-24 Stats: 23.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 46.2 FG%, 0.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG

All-Star Game MVP Odds: +10000

After a strong rookie campaign, Paolo Banchero has taken his game to the next level and, in turn, helped the Orlando Magic get back to being a playoff-caliber squad. Banchero is a major reason why the Magic sit at 30-25 heading into the All-Star break. Despite already putting up All-Star numbers, we believe there's even more in the tank for the former Duke star.
1. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
2023-24 Stats: 27.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.5 APG, 48.3 FG%, 0.2 BPG, 0.9 SPG

All-Star Game MVP Odds: +3200

If you're the Dallas Mavericks, you have to still be kicking yourself over letting Jalen Brunson go, right? Brunson has turned into a borderline superstar for the New York Knicks and has helped put them in contention to win the Eastern Conference. Brunson took his game to another level in his first season with the Knicks last year, and he's already taken another step forward in 2023-24.
Ranking the 4 Breakout First-Timers
Four NBA players are set to make their All-Star Game debut this weekend from Indianapolis. SportsGrid ranks the four first-time NBA All-Stars.

2024 NBA All-Star Game: Ranking the 4 Breakout First-Timers

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