The excitement is palpable with the NBA season set to tip off on Tuesday. The opening night matchup sees the new-look Knicks squaring off against the reigning champs, the Boston Celtics—a clash that promises to set the tone for an unpredictable and thrilling season. But while fans focus on the big-name matchups and returning stars, it’s also the perfect time to look at emerging talents who could make their first NBA All-Star appearance in the 2024-25 season.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs has captivated the league with his otherworldly skill set and size, making him a player to watch in his second campaign. Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas has shown he’s more than just a microwave scorer, and with an expanded role, this could be his season to leap into stardom. Looking sharp and healthy, Chet Holmgren brings his unique blend of rim protection and offensive versatility to an Oklahoma City Thunder squad that looks set to rule the West.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers, a defensive anchor and offensive talent, could elevate his game to All-Star caliber. Lastly, Brandon Miller, the highly-touted sophomore for the Charlotte Hornets, has the opportunity to consolidate himself as one of the league’s brightest talents.
As the season unfolds, these young players aren’t just aiming for team success—they’re looking to cement their status as the NBA’s next wave of stars.
The NBA All-Stars about to break out
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
The top pick is a no-brainer. Wembanyama’s rookie season was nothing short of sensational, particularly in the second half when he demonstrated why he’s the future of the league. Spurs fans and league execs alike were in awe, with GMs even dubbing him the best defensive player in the league already. Despite the Spurs’ potential struggles in the win column, Wembanyama’s stats will be impossible to overlook.
He became the first player in NBA history to notch 1,500 points (1,522), 250 blocks (254), and 100 three-pointers (128) in a single season, while also adding 755 rebounds, 274 assists, and 88 steals. Although he claimed Rookie of the Year honors, he narrowly missed the All-Star nod—a first since Blake Griffin. But this season? There’s little doubt he’ll get the recognition he deserves.
CHRIS PAUL POUR VICTOR WEMBANYAMA WOW😈😈😈pic.twitter.com/1JtV7PUwEa
— The Daily Dunk (@dailydunkfr) October 10, 2024
Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)
Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas is going to get straight buckets this year. With his elite scoring capabilities, he’s expected to be the focal point of a Nets offense lacking depth. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points per game in just over 31 minutes, displaying his versatility across all scoring levels. Thomas’s usage rate was among the league’s highest, and analysts anticipate an even bigger role for him as Brooklyn eyes a rebuilding year (and possibly Cooper Flagg in the draft). But while the team might be in transition, Thomas is still a guaranteed bucket-getter, and his scoring prowess could very well propel him into the NBA All-Star conversation.
Cam Thomas is the youngest player to score 40+ points in three consecutive games:
— Cam Thomas Muse (@MuseCamThomas) October 11, 2024
— 44 PTS vs Wizards (2/4/23)
— 47 PTS vs Clippers (2/6/23)
— 43 PTS vs Suns (2/7/23)
Give him the chance, and he will shine.pic.twitter.com/j0Ep3Yoo7q
Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Chet Holmgren is healthy, looking good and the Thunder are ready to roll. Oklahoma City has transformed into a legitimate contender with a core featuring Chet, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso. Holmgren, the second pick in 2022, had his rookie season delayed by injury, but he wasted no time in making the All-Rookie First Team in 2024. His versatility on both ends of the floor, combined with his shot-blocking and three-point shooting, make him a key piece for the Thunder’s playoff aspirations. This could be the year he not only anchors OKC’s defense but also makes his mark as an All-Star.
In a developing situation, No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren has potentially suffered torn ligaments in his foot.
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 24, 2022
He is believed to have suffered the injury at a Pro-Am game in Seattle that had to be stopped due to unsafe court conditions.#ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/KSHkkXvocl
Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Already regarded as one of the NBA’s premier defenders, Evan Mobley is poised for his All-Star breakthrough. The Cavaliers have made the playoffs every year since Mobley joined in 2021, following three consecutive seasons with fewer than 25 wins. In 2023, he earned the third-most votes for Defensive Player of the Year and made the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Despite playing just 50 games last season, he averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. With his growing offensive game complementing his defensive prowess, Mobley is ready to take the next step and earn that long-awaited All-Star nod.
Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)
Comparisons to Paul George may be overused, but it’s hard to ignore the similarities when watching Brandon Miller. The long, athletic wing has an effortless glide on the court, and his perimeter shooting made an immediate impact in his rookie year. Miller took the fifth-most threes of any rookie in history and ranked third in makes. While he faced typical rookie challenges, the things he excelled at translated quickly to the NBA level. With a (hopefully) healthy LaMelo Ball distributing, Miller should have even more opportunities to showcase his talents this season. It’s safe to say he’s primed for a big year, and an All-Star appearance could be within reach.
Nasty poster from Brandon Miller 😳 pic.twitter.com/NQZSocnQr5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 18, 2024
Honourable Mentions: Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks), OG Anunuby (New York Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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