The NBA All-star weekend is just around the corner. It comprises the Rising stars challenge, the 3-point shooting contest, the Slam Dunk Contest, and, of course, the NBA All-Star game. The All-star game comprises the best players in the league who have been picked by fans, players, and coaches.

And this year, we have several first-time all-stars. Being an All-Star is a dream for many players and a for a few of them, it’s coming true this time around. Ja Morant, Darius Garland, Fred Van Fleet, and Andrew Wiggins were all selected for the all-star rosters. And with Kevin Durant and Draymond Green missing the games due to injury, Lamelo Ball and Dejounte Murray will be taking their place. This is the first appearance for both these youngsters.

Dejounte Murray is having a hell of a season for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists in just under 35 mins per game. The man has been averaging a near triple-double and he is one of the best defenders at his position. He has been leading the Spurs and putting up all-star numbers while they compete for a spot in the play-in tournament.

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LeBron James and other NBA players congratulate Dejounte Murray on his First All-star selection

Several NBA players, including LeBron James and Zach Lavine, congratulated Murray on his selection. Here are some of their reactions:

The Journey of Dejounte Murray to his first All-star game

Murray was drafted 29th overall in the 2016 NBA draft by the Spurs. He was not a highly recruited candidate, and several teams passed on him. However, the boy showed signs of his potential in his very first season and he helped the Spurs beat the Rockets in the playoffs.

In his second season, he was named in the All-Defensive second team, the youngest person in NBA history ever. However, in 2018, Murray tore his ACL in a pre-season game, causing him to miss the entire season.

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With Tony Parker leaving, Murray became the starting point guard for the Spurs in the 2019-2020 season. He has improved each year, increasing his numbers across the board. With Green being injured, Murray was rightfully named as his replacement in the All-Star game.