NBA · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 6 NBA Rising Stars Who Will Soon be All-Stars

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Every time I watch Victor Wembanyama, I learn something new that the human body can do. Maybe not my human body, but this guy is pulling off things that shouldn’t be possible in his 7’4” frame. Averaging nearly 21 points, ten rebounds, and just about 3.5 blocks per game, Wemby would have been an All-Star this season if he played in the East compared to the loaded West. Still, Wemby has exceeded the lofty expectations that have been placed on him for years now, and we’re at the point where if he doesn’t end up being a 15-time All-Star he could be considered a disappointment. Greatness awaits for Wemby.
6. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
No one wants to talk about the Detroit Pistons since they are the laughingstock of the NBA, but Jalen Duren has emerged as one of the better centers in the NBA at just 20 years old. Averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds, Duren’s ability to attack the glass and footwork in the paint have me convinced that he’ll become an All-Star center soon. He’s only 20, so once he becomes a better defender and even potentially adds a three-point shot, watch out. Compared to other 20-year-olds in the NBA, few have looked more NBA-ready than he has. If Duren grows even more dominant next year and the Pistons are somewhat competitive, I’m rather confident that Duren will be in the All-Star conversation.
5. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren will end up finishing second in the NBA Rookie of the Year race behind Victor Wembanyama, but his rookie season is one of the more impressive campaigns we’ve seen in recent years. His defensive prowess is already evident while his all-around offensive game is coming together. Like everyone, I still need to see Holmgren add mass to be convinced that he can become a multi-time All-Star. Still, the Thunder’s core of him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams is the best young lineups in the league and could make a run in the postseason, years earlier than anyone expected.
4. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Picking Jalen Williams over Chet Holmgren may drum up some controversy, but I firmly believe that Williams is the most underrated player in the NBA right now. In just his second season, Williams is approaching 20 points per game on average, and if you look at his month-by-month game log, you’ll quickly see that he’s improving every single month. He’s definitively the No. 2 scoring option on one of the best teams in the Western Conference. I expect as the Thunder get more notoriety in the years to come, with Williams standing as an All-Star.
3. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
After a rough start to the season, Brandon Miller has really come on this past month, averaging 23.5 points over his last eight games. Making strides as a scorer, it will be exciting to see what Miller is capable of doing over the final two months of the season as he’ll likely emerge as the team’s top scoring threat. Looking ahead to next season, the tandem of Miller and LaMelo Ball give this organization a ton of upside. I’ll declare it right now that Miller will surpass Ball as the face of the franchise sooner than most think.
2. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero secured his first All-Star bid this year and has a bright future. Leading the Magic to their best season in years at just 21 years old, Banchero seemingly continues to evolve his game monthly. The Magic have a excellent prospects ahead, and with Banchero, they’ll be in contention yearly.
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Every time I watch Victor Wembanyama, I learn something new that the human body can do. Maybe not my human body, but this guy is pulling off things that shouldn’t be possible in his 7’4” frame. Averaging nearly 21 points, ten rebounds, and just about 3.5 blocks per game, Wemby would have been an All-Star this season if he played in the East compared to the loaded West. Still, Wemby has exceeded the lofty expectations that have been placed on him for years now, and we’re at the point where if he doesn’t end up being a 15-time All-Star he could be considered a disappointment. Greatness awaits for Wemby.
6. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
No one wants to talk about the Detroit Pistons since they are the laughingstock of the NBA, but Jalen Duren has emerged as one of the better centers in the NBA at just 20 years old. Averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds, Duren’s ability to attack the glass and footwork in the paint have me convinced that he’ll become an All-Star center soon. He’s only 20, so once he becomes a better defender and even potentially adds a three-point shot, watch out. Compared to other 20-year-olds in the NBA, few have looked more NBA-ready than he has. If Duren grows even more dominant next year and the Pistons are somewhat competitive, I’m rather confident that Duren will be in the All-Star conversation.

Ranking the Top 6 NBA Rising Stars Who Will Soon be All-Stars

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