Every year, the NBA All-Star Game brings a fresh batch of faces into the spotlight. And while it often takes years of steady production to earn a spot among the league’s elite, there’s always room for a breakout. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, a new generation of young stars is knocking on the door, and some are ready to kick it down entirely.
Whether it’s due to a larger role, offseason improvements, or an ideal team fit, these three players are perfectly positioned to make the leap and earn their first All-Star selection in 2026. If you haven’t been paying attention yet, now’s the time.
Austin Reaves
As LeBron James ages, the Lakers will rely more and more on their younger core to rise to the occasion. For Austin Reaves, this creates the perfect opportunity to deliver his best season yet. With averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game last season, Reaves has already proven he can produce at a high level — and at 27, he’s just entering his prime.
If he can stay healthy, Reaves is poised for a huge campaign as one of the league’s top perimeter shooters, and he’ll have plenty of help along the way. The key to maximizing his impact is Luka Doncic, who will run the offense and create clean looks for shooters like Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and other key rotation players.
Jalen Green
In four seasons with the Houston Rockets, Jalen Green made a name for himself with averages of 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. At just 23 years old, Green is far from his peak, and now, he’s in a position to flourish. His trade to the Phoenix Suns this summer gives him a clean slate and a much bigger spotlight.
In Phoenix, Green gets the best of both worlds. Alongside Devin Booker, he’ll be competing for a potential playoff team with win-now urgency, but he’ll also have the freedom to take on his biggest role yet. With Kevin Durant out of the picture, Green might already be the Suns’ second-best player, and if the team wins enough games, don’t be surprised if his name gets serious All-Star buzz.
Chet Holmgren
The Oklahoma City Thunder were the NBA’s top regular-season team last year with a 68–14 record and the No. 1 seed in the West. Despite that dominance, only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams made the All-Star roster. But if the Thunder somehow play even better next season, or if another spot opens up, Chet Holmgren could be the next in line.
While Holmgren only played 32 games last season due to injury, he’s undeniably one of OKC’s most impactful two-way players. For his career, he’s averaging 16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with elite shot-blocking and floor spacing as a 7’1” unicorn. At just 23, Holmgren still has plenty of room to grow, and the more he evolves, the harder he’ll be to keep out of the All-Star conversation.
Future Is Bright For The NBA
Each of these players brings something different to the table (leadership, scoring, defense), but they all share one common trait: untapped potential. If things break right, Austin Reaves, Jalen Green, and Chet Holmgren could go from rising stars to full-blown All-Stars in 2026. The only question is: who gets there first?
As the league continues to evolve, fresh talent is more important than ever. These three names might not have cracked the All-Star roster yet, but they’re trending in the right direction, and 2026 could be the year they officially take their seat at the table among the NBA’s elite.
