Trail Blazers seek next All-Star

For the second straight season after the Trail Blazers moved Damian Lillard to Milwaukee in 2023, no Trail Blazers player participated in Sunday’s NBA All-Star game.

That’s not a long drought, but if the Blazers don’t find a quality player soon, two years may turn into five or more before they know it.

Who will be the 17th All-Star for the Blazers? Is he on the roster right now?

The Blazers have produced 16 All-Stars, including Damian Lillard seven times and Clyde Drexler eight.

Six years is the longest gap between Blazers All-Star selections. The Blazers didn’t have another All-Star game until Brandon Roy in the 2007–08 campaign after Rasheed Wallace made it in the 2000–01 campaign.

Five seasons is the second longest drought. Cliff Robinson and Drexler were named All-Stars in 1993–94. When the Blazers advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 1999–2000, Wallace, the next All-Star, made his debut.

The Blazers need one or two All-Stars on their roster in order to compete again.

Here are some potential candidates for No. 17:

Shaedon Sharpe: Sharpe has the agility and adaptability to develop into a top scorer who could average 25 points per contest. He has, however, been outrageously inconsistent thus far. He is averaging 17.1 points per game this season and shooting 30.9% from three-point range. But don’t worry. Sharpe has room to grow as he is only 21.

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe sets up the offense during an NBA game at Moda Center against the Sacramento Kings.Meagher, Sean/The Oregonian

Scoot Henderson: In the first year and a half of his career, Henderson, who is also only 21, had difficulties. Henderson, however, has occasionally played like a possible All-Star since January 14; he has shot 45.1% from three-point range and 49.1% from the field.

Donovan Clingan: Although the youngster needs to work on his strength and conditioning, he has already had some incredible performances, like as his 17-point and 20-rebound performance against Denver last week. Clingan has the potential to develop into a top-tier shot blocker and rebounder. Clingan might be selected for an All-Star squad if he challenges for the league lead in both categories and averages more than 15 points per game.

On February 12, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, Donovan Clingan #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks on Zeke Nnaji #22 of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. (Image via Getty Images/Matthew Stockman)Getty Pictures

With an average of 10.1 points per game, 24-year-old Toumani Camara may never be able to assemble the offensive credentials necessary to be named an All-Star. But if Camara improves his scoring into the high teens and is selected as an All-NBA defensive player, it might work at some point.

Deni Avdija: The case of Avdija, 24, is intriguing. His consistency is still a work in progress, but he is flexible enough to fill a stat sheet. Avdija is unlikely to be a one-man show, but given the correct circumstances, he could average 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in addition to strong defensive stats.

Anfernee Simons: As a scorer, Simons, 24, has occasionally resembled Lillard. Simons, meanwhile, has dropped to 18.6 points this season after averaging 22.6 points the previous season. Simons, like Sharpe, needs to be a top scorer in order to be considered for an All-Star.

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, in Milwaukee, Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers drives past AJ Green of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by AP/Morry Gash) APAP

Someone off the roster: The next Blazers All-Star might not be on the club yet. That individual might be obtained through a trade, the draft, or as a free agency.

The latest Blazers All-Star to have played for another team is Wallace, who was traded from Washington in 1996.

All-Star Selections for the Blazers

Clyde Drexler: 8

7 Damian Lillard

Aldridge LaMarcus – 4

Sidney Wicks: 4

Brandon Roy: 3

Maurice Lucas: 3

Rasheed Wallace: 2

Kevin Duckworth: 2

Terry Porter: 2

Jim Paxson: 2

Bill Walton: 2

Geoff Petrie: 2

Cliff Robinson: 1

Lionel Hollins: 1

Kermit Washington: 1

Steve Johnson: 1

Latest Blazers news

Bill Oram: Can Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey really save the Trail Blazers if they can t even save Rutgers?
Bill Oram: Does Blazers great Buck Williams belong in the Hall of Fame? His biggest fan has no doubt
Watch: Bryce McGowens hits 3 to eliminate Toumani Camara s team in Rising Stars
Carmelo Anthony, Buck Williams, Sue Bird, Redeem Team among Basketball Hall of Fame finalists
Damian Lillard odds to capture 3rd consecutive 3-point shooting title