Help with my zf transmission!

Need some help diagnosing a transmission/clutch issue on my 215k ’96 328is (M52, ZF S5D-320Z)

From 1 to 2 gear I get blocked out and have to wait for rpms to drop before getting into gear. As of now, my clutch is slipping so that is on my radar but curious on what could be causing this, downshifting is fine and from 2 to 3 it is a-lot better, not perfect but better. Many people have been saying that the synchros may be the issue but a buddy told me it would cause grinding whenever I go into 2nd gear, while for me it engages smoothly when I am not blocked out. Any help is greatly appreciated!