The NBA hosts the All-Star Weekend every February where its brightest stars showcase their talents in a variety of contests culminated by the All-Star Game.
The starters are selected through fan votes, while the reserves, on the other hand, are picked by coaches from their respective conferences. This is where a player's actual performance and his team's standing for the first half of the season come into the equation.
Being an all-star gives the player an opportunity to elevate his stock drastically. From bigger contracts, hitting specific incentives, and more endorsements in the future, all these become within reach for them.
But due to a limited number of roster spots open for the mid-year showcase, as well as the number of players in the same position, there are some who won't make it to the team despite their strong play. Each year, fans debate on who really deserves to play among the best the NBA has, but ultimately, the fans and coaches decide.
After all the offseason moves, so far, have been considered, here's a look at three players each from the Eastern and Western Conference who are expected to have a breakout year and most likely become an all-star for the first time in their careers.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
After no one showed interest in him less than two years ago, the Miami Heat gave the 7-foot center a chance to resurrect his career, and he did not disappoint.
Whiteside debuted for the Heat during the second half of the 2014-2015 season and made a good account of himself. Last season, the Marshall product validated his status as one of the top centers in the league, averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.7 blocks per game. He was also in the conversation for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
With Dwyane Wade choosing to play for his home team, the Chicago Bulls, and the exit of Chris Bosh, the 33rd overall pick of the 2010 draft is expected to lead the new-look Heat squad on both ends of the floor.
One thing that may also help his case to be named an all-star is the lack of traditional big men in the league these days. Given his style of play and the situation he's in, it will be no surprise if he ends up having an even better season than last year, and eventually make it to the game in New Orleans come February.
Fans have already seen a glimpse of how good the “Greek Freak” can be with his crazy wingspan and handles in the past two seasons. His development has gone ahead of plan and under the tutelage of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, the 6-foot-11 athlete is being groomed to be a full-time point guard.
If everything goes according to plan, he'll become the tallest point guard in the league, giving match-up problems to opponents on a nightly basis. The 21-year-old has the rare combination of speed, height, and skills to be successful at his position. Should Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate at the one spot, he'd make a very strong case for himself to become an all-star, but that doesn't end there, he may also be considered by fans for a starting spot.
The sweet-shooting Beal re-signed for a very lucrative contract with the Washington Wizards this off-season. Now that the team has proven its commitment, the ball is now on his court to show everyone that he deserves his hefty wage.
Despite the reported feud he might have with backcourt mate John Wall, the two continued to be vocal that there is nothing personal with their disagreements and that they are only brought about by their competitiveness inside the court.
With impressive numbers of 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last season, the Florida product will look to build on the momentum he gained last year and improve his game even more in hopes of possibly joining Wall in the all-star team.
Click “Next Page” for the Western Conference!
Surprising as it may seem, L.A. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan has never made it to the mid-year showcase despite having an Olympic gold and an All NBA first team selection to boot.
Like Whiteside, the lack of traditional big men who operate inside the paint most of the time, bodes well for his chances to make the Western all-star squad. Sure, he has DeMarcus Cousins to compete with, but beyond him, there is no other true center out in the West that could be in the running for an all-star spot, unless Marc Gasol rises with a vengeance.
The Texas A&M standout's defensive prowess is what separates him from his Team USA teammate. He's an elite defender who owns a career average of 1.8 blocks per game, and intimidates those who drive to the basket with his mere presence. Should he perform at a higher level this year given the experience he's earned under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, it will be very tough for the coaches to make a pass on him this time around when February hits.
Last season's Rookie of the Year opened everyone's eyes to his advanced game. He is versatile enough to play both the “four” and “five” positions. He is able to knock down perimeter shots extending to the three-point line. He is also fundamentally sound, which is surprising for someone his age. It helps that he was mentored by one of the best ever in Kevin Garnett.
Now that the Minnesota Timberwolves have head coach Tom Thibodeau at the helm, last year's top overall draft pick can further hone his defensive skills since that is the 58-year-old bench tactician's expertise.
Towns already averaged 1.7 blocks a game last season, but if he can still increase his output in that area and have offensive numbers similar to last year's, he'll almost be a shoo-in for a mid-February appearance.
Gordon Hayward is coming off his best season in six years. The Butler product had impressive averages of 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 36.2 minutes per game during the 2015-2016 campaign and has become the focal point of the Utah Jazz‘s offense.
The West is stacked with very talented forwards, but with a retooled lineup, his crew is ready to make noise this year. If the Salt Lake City team strings together a lot of wins at the start of the season, it will definitely increase the chances of the 6-foot-8 forward to be named an all-star and finally get the recognition his game deserves.
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