The Utah Jazz haven’t had an All-Star since 2023, when Lauri Markkanen earned his first nod. But that drought might be nearing its end-and if things break right next season, the Jazz could be on the verge of something much bigger than just ending an All-Star absence. We’re talking about the possibility of three All-Stars in the same season, something that hasn’t happened in Utah since the late '80s.
Let’s start with what’s already in place. Markkanen has continued to play at an All-Star level since his selection in 2023.
He’s been the offensive anchor, the go-to scorer, and a consistent mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. The numbers and impact are there-it’s just that the team’s place in the standings has held him back from national recognition.
That’s a common theme across the league: players on rebuilding or “tanking” teams often get overlooked, regardless of individual performance.
But the Jazz don’t appear to be in rebuild mode anymore. The trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. was a clear signal that Utah is ready to turn the corner.
Jackson brings defensive pedigree, shot-blocking, and versatility-plus, he’s already a two-time All-Star (2023 and 2025). If he stays healthy and the Jazz rack up wins, he’s got a legitimate shot at making it three appearances.
Then there’s Keyonte George, the young guard who’s been making noise all season. He’s shown flashes of elite shot creation, improved playmaking, and a competitive edge that’s hard to miss.
George has been playing at an All-Star level himself, but like Markkanen, he’s been stuck on a team that hasn’t done enough winning to push him into the national spotlight. That could change in a hurry if Utah climbs the standings.
So what would it take for the Jazz to land three All-Stars next season? It’s all about winning.
If Utah is hovering around .500, they might get two in-most likely Markkanen and Jackson, given their resumes. But if they make a real leap and become one of the top teams in the West?
Then it gets hard to argue against George joining them.
And while it would be a major milestone, it wouldn’t be unprecedented. The last time the Jazz had three All-Stars was in 1989, when Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Mark Eaton all made the team.
That was the beginning of Utah’s rise to prominence in the Western Conference, a stretch that eventually led to back-to-back Finals appearances in the late '90s. That '89 trio marked the moment the Jazz stopped being a nice team and started being a real problem.
Could history be repeating itself? That’s the hope in Salt Lake City.
The early signs are promising. In the brief stint we've seen from the new-look trio of Markkanen, Jackson, and George, the chemistry looked real.
Even with injuries limiting the full roster, the potential was obvious. The pieces fit.
The vision is there.
And it’s not just those three. Utah’s young core is quietly becoming one of the deepest and most intriguing in the league.
Walker Kessler is a rising force in the paint. Ace Bailey and Brice Sensabaugh are developing nicely.
Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski bring versatility and upside. Add in a high lottery pick this summer, and suddenly the Jazz don’t just look promising-they look dangerous.
Now, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Talking about four All-Stars down the line is fun, but right now, the focus is on getting back into the playoff mix and letting the trio of Markkanen, Jackson, and George prove they belong on the league’s biggest midseason stage.
Still, if next season goes the way Utah’s front office is clearly hoping it will, don’t be surprised if the Jazz are making headlines not just for their record-but for the number of All-Stars they send to the big game. It’s been nearly four decades since they last pulled it off. The pieces are in place to do it again.