Each NBA season, new stars emerge from the cracks, and the current NBA landscape may even amplify this.
In both conferences, certain players are now in the perfect position to truly show their talents. Of course, these players will be long shots for All-Star honors, but it’s far from impossible. Their winning situation, or even a rebuilding roster, may be exactly what they need to showcase their talents.
Ty Jerome Finally Has the Starting Role to Match His Skill Set
The former Sixth Man of the Year finalist has somehow gone back under the radar. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ rebuilding 2025-26 season, Jerome continued to display his electric offensive skill set.
Though he played just 15 games, Jerome averaged 19.7 points and 5.7 assists in just 22.6 minutes per game. His shooting stands out — he knocked down 42.0% of his 6.7 three-point attempts per game, making him one of the elite perimeter scorers in the league. He has incredible range, can get to the mid-range at will, and reads the entire court well to facilitate.
Now, Jerome is the full-time starter, and he has a potentially incredible two-man game with Cameron Boozer. He’s a 96th-percentile pick-and-roll ball handler, paired with the Duke forward who averaged 1.30 PPP (points per possession) as a roller and 1.26 PPP popping, according to DraftBallr.
Boozer’s gifted passing can also create easy opportunities for the guard. In past seasons, nearly half of Jerome’s field goals were assisted. With Boozer’s 1.26 PPP hitting cutters and 1.24 PPP as a pick-and-roll passer, both can share the wealth.
This newly formed duo can maximize Jerome’s offensive talents, along with having the giant Zach Edey, who should be healthy by the beginning of the season.
The former Virginia guard, once an NBA outcast, can complete his 180° transformation with a potential All-Star nod this year.
Ivica Zubac Is About to Be Unlocked in Indiana’s Offense
Zubac has received All-Star consideration in the past, but in a stacked Eastern Conference and as the clear No. 3 on the Indiana Pacers, things have quieted down. However, noise should only be getting louder for Zubac’s All-Star campaign.
When Zubac played with James Harden, people quickly realized just how gifted he is offensively. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged nearly 17 points and 13 rebounds with a 99th-percentile +13.8 net on/off rating.
Zubac’s impact is unquestionable. He has one of the league’s most punishing post-ups, ranking third in points per game in 2025 when posting up defenders. Zubac is a complete brick wall as a screener and interior defender. His bruiser, rim-running, and post-up ability fit Indiana perfectly.
Tyrese Haliburton, one of the best passers in the modern NBA, finally gets his interior big man to run pick-and-rolls with. Haliburton will create endless play-finishing opportunities for Zubac, leading to an even better offensive output than with the Los Angeles Clippers. On defense, his defensive ability is already proven, and he can anchor a top-tier unit.
This two-way excellence, combined with Indiana’s projected success, should make him a prime All-Star candidate on anyone’s ballot.
Murray-Boyles’ Playoff Run Was Just the Beginning
Collin Murray-Boyles (or CMB) is undoubtedly the biggest projection of the three, but the talent is there.
His playoff run as a rookie was rare territory. He averaged over 27 minutes, 14 points, six rebounds (3.0 offensive boards), and 2.4 steals + blocks, while shooting 68.9% inside the arc.
CMB’s supreme athleticism as a 6-foot-7 center makes him a rarity in the NBA. He can run in transition (80th percentile in the playoffs), is an astute passer, and uses his bounce and strength well. He contests anybody at the rim, drives at will, and can jump the passing lane like very few centers.
The Toronto Raptors’ roster may seem a bit crowded for a potential third All-Star, but the lack of center depth is actually perfect for CMB. With Sandro Mamukelashvili leaving for the Lakers in free agency, the only competition is Jakob Poeltl, who’s had back problems in the past.
Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard have both continuously grown as playmakers in recent years. This leaves a clear role for Murray-Boyles as a small-ball center: running in transition, playmaking on both ends, and being a block-hole on the inside.
CMB’s playoff performance is the foundation for his All-Star case. A deeper offensive roster alongside a top-five defense gives Murray-Boyles the platform. Leonard’s injury history could also open up additional minutes and usage.
This special sophomore season would likely look like a moderate bump from his playoff success, an attainable feat if he retains his role on the team. The second-year big man could help make Toronto the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
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