Throughout this rollercoaster NBA season, there have been numerous young studs who have transcended their game to All-Star caliber level. Due to the pandemic, most players were privileged to have time to work on certain parts of their game that needed to be improved upon. As they came into this season with a new approach, their role has upgraded tremendously with both increased opportunity and internal development.
It is a tough race to capture an NBA All-Star selection at a young age. Even when a player is averaging over 24 points per game, it’s difficult to get voted in when there are superstar caliber players like LeBron James or Stephen Curry. But, as many have seen through a pandemic, anything can happen. Let’s look into three young stars who are deserving of their first NBA All-Star game selection.
1. Jaylen Brown
Some insiders will say that Brown was snubbed of an NBA All-Star spot a season ago. After averaging 20.3 points per game on 48% shooting, Brown was a phenomenal complement to Jayson Tatum, as the two lead the Celtics to one of the best records in the East.
This season, Brown has made sure to take his game to another level. With Tatum missing a handful of games, Brown has grown into an alpha that's more confident in his shot and makes all the necessary plays for the team. Brown has increased his scoring to 26.1 points this season. Not only has his offense been a major factor, but his defense continues to be a game-changer in late stretches as he's well on the road to being one of the next transcendent two-way talents in the NBA. Brown seems to be on everyone’s radar to receive his first All-Star selection this season.
2. Collin Sexton
This season, Collin Sexton's game is finally coming together as a phenomenal, all-around player. The huge knock on him has always been that he's merely a terrific, albeit one-dimensional scorer. The scoring part still holds true, but he continues to become a more efficient shooter from behind the arc and his improved playmaking has turned him into a multi-dimensional threat. As the primary ball-handler for the team, Sexton has made the most of each opportunity.
Sexton is averaging 23.6 points along with 4.1 assists. He continues to have late-game heroics that lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to many wins. His overtime scoring outburst against the Brooklyn Nets was a once in a lifetime performance. Sexton controlled the pace of the game and took advantage of the Nets’ poor defense with his perimeter scoring. As Sexton continues to put the team on his back, his performances will lead him to a potential All-Star selection this season.
3. Jerami Grant
The Detroit Pistons have not been as competitive as they would like to be. However, their new addition Jerami Grant has been a godsend with All-Star worthy play throughout this season. Grant understood that leaving a contending franchise in the Denver Nuggets would allow him to blossom and harness his full potential. This season, he has been the focal point for the Pistons, providing lots of energy on both ends.
Grant this season is averaging 24 points per game on 44% shooting. Because there is a lack of shooting and playmaking on the Pistons, Grant has utilized his talents to become more of an initiator on offense. Grant is taking a career-high 17 shot attempts per game and also creating opportunities for himself. It is safe to say that Grant should be part of the future for the Detroit Pistons. His ability to be a two-way player can take Detroit to another level within the next few years. Of course, that likely means a few All-Star nods are coming his way.
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