Early Contenders for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game

As we look ahead to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game set to take place in February, several players are making significant strides in their performances this season. While it may be early to predict who will officially be All-Stars, players like Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, and Jamal Murray are raising eyebrows and proving they deserve serious consideration.

Austin Reaves: A Rising Star for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves has taken advantage of LeBron James’ absence at the start of the 2025-26 season. Reaves has increased his scoring to an impressive 28.1 points per game, along with a career-high 7.6 assists. His performance includes a remarkable stretch where he logged both a 51-point game and a 41-point outing in consecutive nights. His improvement in finishing at the rim—securing 71.7 percent of shots—shows that he is ready to take on a significant role within the Lakers' framework.

Jalen Duren: Dominance in Detroit

In the Eastern Conference, Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons is experiencing one of the most significant leaps this season. From averaging 11.8 points last season to 20.6 points this year, Duren has developed an effective off-the-bounce game that allows him to attack defenders easily. He also excels on the boards, ranking fourth in the league for rebounds per game and achieving a remarkable 22-point, 22-rebound game earlier this season.

Chet Holmgren: Embracing Leadership

With Jalen Williams sidelined, Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder has stepped into a greater role, averaging 19.3 points and shooting a remarkable 69.5 percent from two-point range. His aggressive approach has led him to actively seek offensive opportunities. Defensively, he contributes significantly as evidenced by the Thunder’s 99.8 defensive rating with him on the floor.

Jalen Johnson: A Key Player for Atlanta

After battling through injuries last season, Jalen Johnson has taken his game up a notch with an average of 22.8 points and 6.6 assists per game for the Atlanta Hawks. His improved playmaking has been crucial for the Hawks during Trae Young's absence, and he continues to lead by example with career-high numbers in scoring and assists.

Jamal Murray: The Comeback Kid

Jamal Murray has overcome his history of slow starts this season, averaging a career-high 22.5 points per game. Furthermore, he has increased his rebounding numbers to 5.2 per game, showcasing his overall game. With no international commitments to tire him out this summer, Murray is poised for a full season performance, potentially leading him toward the All-Star leap.

While these players are making noise this season, the competition to secure an All-Star spot will be intense. Fans and analysts alike will be watching their progress closely as they continue to deliver standout performances.