NBA: 6 Eastern Conference Players Who Could Make Their First All-Star Game

New stars rise every year in the NBA. It's one of the best parts about the game.

For the 2012 season, there aren't many players poised to make their first All-Star appearance in the East, but there are a few guys who could have a big year.

Many consider the power in the NBA to be shifting to the East. The teams are stacked with talented players with All-Star hopes.

For the most part, the Eastern Conference All-Star players have been consistent choices over the last few years, so a lot will have to be done for players to earn a spot.

These players are all still young, with most entering their prime years. Let's look at some possible fresh faces in the All-Star picture.

John Wall, Washington Wizards

John Wall is a promising young player in the NBA and had a pretty nice showing in his rookie season.

Wall is one of the fastest players in the NBA from end to end and shows great signs of being an elite point guard.

It may sound contradictory, but with a little work on his ball security and decision making, Wall will be a stud.

He is another well-rounded point guard with the ability to pull in a triple-double any game, as shown in his sixth professional game.

Wall will bring hustle on defense and has quick hands, averaging 1.8 steals last year.

2011 showed that John Wall has kinks in his game, but he will also be a future NBA All-Star.

Look for Wall to show drastic improvement next season, possibly even leading the league in assists.

Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors

Another former top draft pick, Andrea Bargnani is finally showing signs of potential.

He was drafted as a project but finally scored 20-plus points a game in 2011.

Bargnani won't do much for your team besides score, but he is a big man who can spread the floor with his shooting ability and 7'0" height.

He shows good footwork whenever he possesses the ball and can beat slower defenders off the dribble.

He doesn't have the strength to be a powerful defender, but he stays active and runs the floor well.

While being listed as a center, he would be a much better fit as a power forward.

Bargnani can easily sneak his way into the game with a good first half. He is progressing nicely as a player and will only continue to get better.

If the Toronto Raptors want to be relevant in 2012, Bargnani is the player to lead the attack.

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

While Joakim Noah may be ugly like a pit bull, he also plays with the fight of one.

Noah was a legit All-Star candidate last season before a hand injury landed him on the bench, but he should come back healthy in 2012.

The Chicago Bulls were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA last season, and Noah was a big part of it.

He has the ability to frustrate opposing players with his physical play and is one of the better rebounders in the NBA.

Noah won't amaze anyone offensively, but he is effective whenever given the chance.

Noah is a career 52-percent shooter from the field and has improved his free-throw shooting over the past few years.

A healthy Noah is dangerous.

If being an All-Star is more than impressive stat lines, this guy could be a lock.

Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers

Andre Iguodala has always been a solid player in the NBA, but next year he could be a wild-card player.

AI has been rumored by many to be on the trading block for Philadelphia and could star somewhere else.

While he is not guaranteed to play in the East, he will be effective anywhere he goes.

Iguodala is a versatile athlete who can play the shooting guard or small forward positions and has great basketball intangibles.

While his scoring average has been slipping over the past few years, Iguodala is still good at filling up a stat sheet.

He's one of the few players in the NBA with the ability to average 15 points, five rebounds and five assists a game.

Iguodala is an above-average defender, and is great at creating turnovers and fast-break opportunities.

He is someone to watch next season—not only because of the trade rumors.

AI is entering his prime years and could be due for a big year.

Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks missed the playoffs last year, but Andrew Bogut had a productive year for them.

While always an injury concern, Bogut managed to average career highs in rebounds and blocks.

The 7'0" Australian had a down year offensively but is still one of the better big men in the NBA.

He's not the most athletic guy, but he has a big frame and is improving defensively.

Bogut is a good post player who is often seen showing off his fundamental skills. He is getting better overall. With one full, healthy season, he could put it all together.

The Bucks will look to make it back into playoff contention in 2012. Bogut will have to be a force down low.

Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith is confusing, too. How has this guy never made an All-Star team?

Sure, he's never averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, but Smith always has a stacked stat line.

Smith brings a style that most people would love to see in an All-Star game, not just a boring jump shot.

Being an elite athlete, Smith makes great leaps and has had some of the best in-game dunks in recent memory.

He's also a former NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner.

Smith is a stopper defensively, averaging 2.2 blocks for his career along with 1.2 steals.

On a side note, can you imagine the front-court pair he could make with Dwight Howard?

I keep saying Smith will make an All-Star game every year, but so far I've been wrong.

I'll keep it up this year and say he will finally make an appearance.