We may only be a month into the regular season, but its never to early to speculate who could make their first All-Star Game. With some familiar faces on different teams and some who are not going to make it because of injury, Stephen Curry, its time to predict the six NBA players that could be playing in their first All-Star game in Chicago.
The All-Star Game Could Feature These Six Players
Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young embodies what makes the All-Star game so popular. The flash. The style. The crazy plays. So it would only make sense for a young player that has made a living making the flashy plays to be awarded his first All-Star appearance. The Atlanta Hawks were supposed to be a team that would push for a playoff spot. That took a hit when Young was injured. However, he only missed one game. Then John Collins was hit with a 25-game suspension. Afterward, a three-point threat, Kevin Huerter was injured against the Denver Nuggets and will miss the next two-to-three weeks, news you found out here first on LWOS.
Although this team has taken its lumps, Young has continued to play exceptionally well. Young is currently averaging 27 points and 8.7 assists per game. Nearly averaging a double-double should help him get into the All-Star debate. If you threw out the game where he was injured, he would be averaging nearly 30 points. The fan vote could help Young make him an All-Star. His highlights are perfect for people who enjoy an All-Star Game.
Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic has taken the mantle from the best international player to ever play the game, Dirk Nowitzki. It would only seem fitting that he takes over the role of NBA All-Star player representing the Dallas Mavericks. His accolades so far this young season have been nothing but impressive. Doncic has been the most impressive international player in recent memory and his play has shown why he should make an appearance in Chicago this February.
It’s amazing that the Hawks and Mavericks both swapped for amazing talent. Both are leaders of their individual squads. Both are the leading scorers. Doncic is currently averaging 28.5 points while dishing out 9.1 assists per game. He has five triple-doubles. Having a partner like Kristaps Porzingis does make life easier in the NBA. This young duo will be problems in the Western Conference for years to come. But now, its time to find a spot for Doncic on the All-Star squad.
Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum has started out with a tremendous season. The former third-round pick has started to grow under head coach Brad Stevens. The Boston Celtics are currently 10-2 and averaging 114.9 points-per-game. Tatum has been a big contributor to a team that looks to come out of the East. When Gordon Hayward went down with an injury, Tatum and crew picked up the slack and continue their winning ways.
In the 12 games this season, Tatum is averaging 19.7 points, 7.2 total rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Since the opening game loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, he has been positive in plus/minus. With an Eastern Conference who lost Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant out this year. Tatum getting the nod for a forward position should be attainable.
Donovan Mitchell – Utah Jazz
The steal of the 2017 NBA Draft makes the list. Donovan Mitchell, the 13th pick out of Louisville has made strides since the Utah Jazz made a draft-day trade and acquired the guard from the Denver Nuggets. Last year, Mitchell was the only consistent option on the court. This year, the Jazz brought in Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic to help bring some scoring and spacing.
Mitchell is currently averaging 25.4 points per game. The ability to get to the hoop, shoot the midrange, or knock down a three have grown this year. In the West, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are virtual locks for the All-Star game. Playing in Utah won’t get him the popular vote. But coaches having to gameplan against him could see why he is deserving of a spot.
Pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam signed a nice new contract just before the NBA season started. Last year’s NBA’s Most Improved Player had to fill some big shoes in the departing Kawhi Leonard. However, He is doing well in accomplishing that. Siakam has continued to be a great all-around player for the defending champ Toronto Raptors. He has become a leader for a team that is looking to keep the Larry O’Brien trophy north of the border.
In the Eastern Conference, Siakam should have a great shot at getting to the All-Star game. His game has evolved to just that, an all-star level. His averages are 26.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He is a great player and only expected to get better. That’s why Toronto was willing to max him out and keep him in a Raptors uniform for years to come.
Rudy Gobert – Utah Jazz
Rudy Gobert shouldn’t be on this list. He should have made the All-Star roster last year. He is deserving of it and continues to show it. The two-time All-NBA and two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has proven why he should be there. His defensive capabilities help any wing defender in front of him. He shuts down most players when they get to the basket.
While Gobert isn’t an offensive powerhouse. He is continuing down that path. He is averaging a double-double with 13.7 points and 13.6 rebounds. For an offensive type game in the All-Star Game, he won’t get the fan vote. But, for coaches who have nightmares scheming up an offensive gameplan against Gobert. They should be voting him into his first All-Star Game.
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