NBA All-Star Weekend: Five players who exceeded expectations to book an All-Star Game spot
With NBA All-Star Weekend ready to tip off in Los Angeles boasting a brand-new format, some players are set for their first start in the All-Star Game after stellar individual seasons.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Lorenzo Gagliotta looks at the stars who have exceeded expectations so far in the league.
Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s Detroit Pistons have defied all odds in the Eastern Conference this season.
A lot of credit must go to guard Cade Cunningham, who has been facilitating things as a floor general and leading the team.
Averaging 25 points and just shy of 10 assists per game, the basketball he has put on display deservingly earned him a second All-Star contribution and first as a starter, in one of the stacked Team USA teams.
The versatile Pistons star has managed to find a way to play the game at his pace, which poses a huge threat for defenders and has regularly reaped dividends, alongside boasting elite-level playmaking and shooting.
A player that’s becoming more complete as the seasons progress, Cunningham has blossomed into a top-five MVP contender after some standout performances in the 2025-26 season.
Cunningham and Detroit currently sit comfortably at the top of the standings in the East and will aim to go on a historic run – much like the 2004 squad, who brought home Motor City’s first championship triumph.
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Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors
A player who has one of the highest ceilings in the NBA is Cunningham’s former high-school team-mate at Montverde, Scottie Barnes.
Deemed the most prominent player at the Toronto Raptors, forward Barnes has excelled this campaign in an incredibly functional system.
Shifty in possession and a threat on both sides of the ball, Barnes has definitely seen himself go through his best stretch of basketball in Raptors colours.
Touted to win a future MVP title by his head coach Darko Rajakovic, the elite-level forward has successfully pleaded his case to become a key asset in a star-studded Team USA at the All-Star Game.
With the Raptors already surpassing their win record from last season and on course to achieve their first positive record since the 2021-22 season, a lot of credit goes to Barnes’ strong season and all-round game on the floor.
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Kyshawn George – Washington Wizards
Despite the Trae Young and Anthony Davis trades taking the headlines, the Washington Wizards are in excellent, long-term hands thanks to their youthful core.
With the Wizards’ second-overall pick Alexandre Sarr in and out of rhythm due to injury, it is guard Kyshawn George who has stepped up to the plate this season with an exciting level of basketball.
Wizards fans have been thoroughly impressed by the growth of George’s game on both ends of the court in his sophomore effort in the NBA.
In a somewhat breakout campaign, George is one of the more versatile assets on the roster, offering the best option in the wing position with his impressive shooting strokes and confident level of IQ alongside a defensive presence behind the ball.
The development of George is an exciting prospect for the Wizards, who have younger talents such as Bub Carrington and Alexandre Sar mixed in with the veteran experience of Young and Davis.
It’s only a matter of time before we see George and his Wizards team-mates excel in their rebuild and push for championship honours.
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Luke Kornet – San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have managed to find their stride under coach Mitch Johnson, cracking the code and relying on their depth to win games.
A big reliance has been placed on centre Luke Kornet, who has proved to be an excellent free-agency steal this season.
Kornet’s dogged yet highly efficient performances this term have propped up the Spurs, especially given early injuries and the rotation of star Victor Wembanyama.
The level of defensive effort he has instilled into his game has been second to none, with Kornet nailing down the fundamentals in all departments, from rebounding to finishing at the rim.
As a player who has exceeded Spurs fans’ expectations, Kornet has asserted his dominance on the floor without seeing much of the ball by capitalising at the right time.
Similar to the Detroit Pistons, Kornet and the Spurs have seen themselves emerge as possible championship contenders if they keep the course they are on.
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Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers
A star who needs little introduction in arguably the most-established market in the NBA is none other than the young Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Reaves has emerged as a player who deserves an All-Star nod, but he had his big break blown when Brandon Ingram was chosen to replace Stephen Curry.
He remains a top candidate should any further late injuries occur.
Reaching the levels of a franchise player, the guard has only improved from his previous season in the iconic purple and gold of LA.
Currently on minutes restriction by coach JJ Redick, Reaves averages 25 points on the floor and shoots 50% from the field-goal mark per game.
From being a zero-star recruit to being amongst the best offensive guards in the league, he boasts an intricate style of play, a savvy ability to read defenses, and the knack of scoring in all situations.
In another season that has seen the Lakers face their inconsistencies, it has been Reaves at the forefront, producing stellar displays with his remarkable game.
Alongside the legendary LeBron James, Reaves has emerged as arguably the most important piece in the Lakers’ foundation.
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