5 players who could be first time All-Stars this season

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 01: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on November 01, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 01: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on November 01, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

1. Cam Thomas

What Cam Thomas has been doing to start the season is off the charts compared to what is expected. Last season, the LSU product rarely got to do what he is doing right now. Thomas rarely saw heavy minutes, but he has this season and has already scored four 30+ point games.

Thomas has a real chance to be the Most Improved Player if he keeps this up, not even just an All-Star. Thomas is currently ranked 11th in scoring, averaging 26.9 points a game. He is primarily a backup but his scoring ability could force Head Coach Jacque Vaughn’s hand and keep him in the starting lineup. He is a player you can’t keep on the bench when he gets hot.

Only five players have reached the 200-point threshold, and three of them are former MVPs: Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Nikola Jokic. One of them is a perennial All-NBA player Luka Doncic. The fifth is the 27th pick out of LSU in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cam Thomas. He is in elite company to start this season, and if he keeps this up, it will be challenging to find a better All-Star candidate than him.

Like Herro, Thomas recently suffered an ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for at least two weeks. That could affect his chances to make the Eastern Conference All-Star for the first time in his career.