The All Star Game is a little less than a month away. It is one of the bigger accomplishments for NBA players to have on their resumes. Every season, there are those few players who shine just enough to receive a bid to play in their first All Star Game. This season, there are a few players who I feel will be playing in their first All Star Game, and it is more than likely not going to be their last one either.
Draymond Green: 14.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 7.4 APG
What a year Green is having. Coming off of a championship season and a brand new contract, Green is showing he is worth every cent of that contract. His versatility has been key to the record-breaking start for the Golden State Warriors. Green has posted three straight triple doubles and already has seven on the season. He really took it upon himself to lead the Warriors when Steph Curry was dealing with an injury. He is a triple double threat every night. His passion on the defensive end really gets the Warriors in their groove. Green can guard every position with ease. With his passing ability, it will be exciting to see him set up some of the world’s best.
Isaiah Thomas: 20.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 6.8 APG
Thomas is having the time of his life with the Boston Celtics. He was given the opportunity to be the leader of this team and has done a great job. The trade from the Phoenix Suns might have been the best thing to happen to him. He has produced at a high rate as the number 1 option. His scoring ability really helps me team when they get in an offensive slump. The Celtics will go as far as Thomas takes them, and he definitely deserves to be playing in Toronto.
Kawhi Leonard: 20.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.7 APG
Leonard also signed a max contract this past offseason, and he is also showing that he is worth every cent. We are starting to see the transition to the Leonard era in San Antonio. The offense is running through him more, and he is up to the challenge. We already know he is going to defend the opposing team’s best player. When Leonard came in the league, he was not the best shooter. This season, he is top 10 in three point percentage. That just shows the time and effort he has put in to become a better player. With Leonard focusing so much on defense and the All Star Game being offensive driven, it will be interesting to see how Leonard fits into this game.
Andre Drummond: 18.1 PPG, 16.0 RPG, 0.9 APG
Drummond has made the case this season to be the best center in the NBA. When the Pistons let Greg Monroe leave in free agency, it made it clear that they wanted Drummond to be the centerpiece of the franchise. He has posted multiple 20/20 games this season and is a walking double double. The free throw shooting could still use some work. And with Drummond doing well, the Pistons have become one of the surprise teams this season. It is showing on the court that he has worked hard on his post moves. This will be the first of many All Star Games for Drummond.
