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#3 Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis is one of the key reasons for the Boston Celtics’ 35-10 record. He has given the Green Machine a new dimension they’ve never had before. The Latvian is averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks per game.
Paolo Banchero, Bam Adebayo, Julius Randle and Mikal Bridges block his path for a potential second NBA All-Star Game.
#2 Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. gained his first All-Star nod last season. He topped it off by winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Jackson hasn’t been on that level since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
The big man is averaging 21.6 points per game, which is higher than his 18.6 PPG last season. But his efficiency has dropped, hitting 45.1% this season compared to 50.6% last year. His 3-point accuracy has also dipped, averaging 32.8% compared to last season’s 35.5% clip.
Jaren Jackson Jr. won the DPOY behind a league-best 3.0 blocks per game. That figure has slid to 1.6 BPG for the 2023-24 campaign. He isn’t getting a slot in the NBA All-Star Game over such names as Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Lauri Markkanen, Paul George, Jamal Murray and Alperen Sengun.
#1 Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson made the NBA All-Star Game last season despite playing only 29 games. He has already played seven more leading into the voting for the reserves.
“Zanos” level of play for the 2023-24 campaign has not been the same as last season. The athletic forward’s points, rebounds, steals, shooting percentage and minutes have all dropped. It will be incredibly tough for him to make the team even as a wild card.
