The All-Star experience can change the direction of a player’s career.

Playing in the NBA's showcase event provides players with joy, personal fulfillment and a confidence that can help catapult them to the next level in their professional growth. The event is an incredible launching point and measuring stick for both young and older players.

The weekend is made up of many things that create an excitement beyond compare.

The players will tell you there aren’t many moments that compare to walking out during the extravagant introduction. The interactions with the fans that travel to the designated city for a chance to catch a glance of them, or take a picture with them. The parties that have contributed to making All-Star weekend one of the most anticipated weekends of the year within the industry.

It’s a great time, but more importantly an All-Star selection sets a standard for a player. Becoming an All-Star opens the door to an elite class and gains certification that can’t ever be taken away. Andre Iguodala, Roy Hibbert and LaMarcus Aldridge, three of this year’s six first-time All-Stars, enjoyed those moments and look towards building from them.

“I have to work twice as hard now and that’s fine with me,” Hibbert said. “The All-Star selections solidifies that I have to make an impact every night; no days, nights or practices off. It means I have to come to work and improve everyday to make sure I keep coming back every year.”

While Hibbert is the youngest of the players mentioned, Iguodala has been considered a premiere player for a few years. Making the All-Star team after seven seasons was a great accomplishment, but he knows the level of play from his opponents will rise now that he’s an All-Star.

“I think you have to have a little swagger in your game,” Iguodala said. “Knowing you’re one of the best and now you’re going to now get everyone’s best you try to prepare yourself harder every night.” Iguodala’s selection has taught him the importance of contributing to a winning team. He’s had years with better numbers, but this season his impact has the Sixers in first place in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the conference.

“You have to get off to a good start as a team,” he said. “Getting wins really helps. Hopefully our team continues to play well. I play on playing better than I have been and hopefully that leads to more wins and All-Star appearances.”

Not returning to the All-Star game isn’t an option for any of these players. They view missing next year’s game, or any that follow, as taking a step back. Once you’re an All-Star the expectation is that you’re an All-Star every season.

“After you get here you set that goal to make it back each year,” Aldridge said. “Not coming back wouldn’t be good for me now. I think as you grow in your career and earn different accolades you look at areas where you can get better and help your team win. The All-Star selections will follow if you’re playing well and your team is winning. So I’ll continue to strive for both.”