Today is more than just Christmas; it also marks the first day of voting for the NBA’s All-Star Game. This year’s contest, which will take place February 18 in Los Angeles, will feature a new format, with the traditional East vs. West matchup scrapped in favor of two team captains selecting from a pool of players.
Fans can count on seeing perennial All-Stars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and others, but every year brings a few fresh faces. Here are some candidates who are in position to make their first All-Star appearance.
- Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks — The trade of Carmelo Anthony made Porzingis the clear No. 1 option in New York and he is responding with his best season. Porzingis is averaging 24.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game and has the Knicks in the middle of the playoff race. Barring injury, he seems almost certain to earn All-Star honors.
- Joel Embiid, Sixers — Embiid would probably be an All-Star every season if he could remain healthy. He has increased his minutes to more than 31 per game this year and is delivering 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. Embiid may have an MVP season in his future and seems like a lock for the All-Star Game.
- Ben Simmons, Sixers — The early favorite for Rookie of the Year, Simmons has shown no ill effects from missing the entire 2016/17 season, averaging 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists through his first 31 games. He has displayed the versatility and court vision that made him the first overall pick in 2016.
- Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves — His numbers have declined this season as Minnesota added more talent around him, but there’s no denying that Towns is among the best young centers in the league. He’s on pace to average a double-double for the third straight season, putting up 20.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.
- Victor Oladipo, Pacers — Oladipo is primed to win the Most Improved Player award and maybe a few other honors. He has been invigorated by an offseason trade to Indiana, raising his scoring average nearly 10 points per game to its current level of 25.3.
- Bradley Beal, Wizards — Another high-scoring Eastern shooting guard, Beal helped Washington remain competitive with John Wall sidelined by injury. Beal sometimes gets overshadowed by his backcourt partner, but he is turning in another outstanding season, averaging 23 points per night.
- Myles Turner, Pacers — Turner has become an elite shot blocker, leading the league at 2.5 per game, to go with 14.7 points and 7.1 rebounds. He is part of the reason Indiana has been able to stay in the playoff race without Paul George.
We want to get your input. Which of these players is most deserving of an All-Star debut this season, and are there some others who should be mentioned? Please leave your responses in the comments section below.
Porzingas, Simmons and Embid absolutely better be in the All-Star game in my opinion. I know it’s more of a popularity thing so some of these guys on this list night but be selected but I do think all are deserving, just not sure all will be selected. One that isn’t on this list is Kuzma. I know he won’t make the All-Star team but that kid can ball and is having a great rookie season.
*might not be selected
Oh and Merry Christmas to all of you who run this app and to all of the fellow commenters on this app. Hope you and your families have a blessed one.
Kuzma, if he continues playing like this, should be on the First All-Rookie Team. He won’t garner serious All-Star mentioning unless he turns into a bonafide superstar or leaves the Western Conference. The Western Conference is too deep with star players that Kuzma is way down the list.
On the top of my head, I don’t remember any rookie all stars. Even rookie Lebron 20 ppg didn’t make it.
Oladipo should be a lock. The dude has been unreal!
Khris Middleton is another potential first time All-Star. 20.8 Pts; 5.2 Rebs; 4.5 Asts; 1.3 Stls; .470/.356 /.901
Definitely think Simmons, Embid, and KP belong. But scrapping the east vs west format I don’t like at all. Unless it’s Kyrie and LeBron as captains picking vs each other. And they televise them actually picking teams. Then I’m all in. Or LeBron vs Durant or Curry
It is Lebron VS Curry