The Phoenix Suns had no representation in last year's NBA All-Star game, although Dillon Brooks came close to making it for the first time in his career.
There's every chance he can go one better in 2026-27, given his importance to the franchise and the fact he just had a career year that put him firmly in the conversation.
Jalen Green most likely Suns player to make midseason exhibition
While Booker is always going to have a chance to be picked based on his popularity alone, Green is actually the most likely candidate to go all the way right now. We've already taken an overly optimistic look at how this coming season could unfold for him, and there is no doubting his offensive skills when he is being called upon consistently.
You don't average over 20 a game in two of your first five seasons without doing something right, and really what gives Green the clincher here over Brooks is a key piece of information that the front office in Phoenix won't want to hear.
Not only is the All-Star game a popularity contest, it also rewards high output scorers who don't necessarily always have to play for winning teams. The Suns will be trying to make the playoffs again which will help, but whereas Brooks is by far the better two-way player and the best man-to-man defender on the roster, that is not considered when it is time to make casual fans ooh and ahh.
Brooks even managed to average a career high 20.2 points last time out himself, and there is no question he is the more efficient scorer compared to Green.
But if the 24-year-old former second overall pick can remain healthy and put up some large scoring nights early on, he will be right in the conversation. In theory playing alongside Booker, Brooks and Miles Bridges should ensure he gets the ball in his spots more, and it would be ideal if Luke Kennard did not turn into Yuta Watanabe in the process.
Suns fans will pick Booker over everybody else to make it, he remains their best player.
Green has the highlight plays and ability to score in impressive (and not always efficient) ways, plus the narrative of being a first time selection and redeeming himself in The Valley would also be hard to ignore.
He's not the player fans want to think of in this spot, and it won't even guarantee the Suns are having a good season if this does happen. But Jalen Green is the top choice to make a first All-Star appearance in the depths of the offseason.
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