Now that the holidays are over, it's time for the NBA, players and fans to shift their attention to the upcoming 2018 NBA All-Star game. We all know that a certain group of players will make the All-Star game. These are usually the most popular NBA players such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the Greek Freak at the top of the early All-Star fan vote, there are a few players that he can help obtain their first All-Star selection.
Specifically, there are a few NBA players that have captured the attention of fans everywhere, playing at an extraordinary rate. If Giannis receives the most votes in the NBA, here are five players that he may select on his team.
5. Kyle Kuzma
This isn't an unlikely scenario. This isn't a maybe or a “what if”. Kyle Kuzma is playing so well, he might get a chance to represent his city for the 2018 All-Star game. Kuzma gets the added benefit, since Los Angeles is hosting the upcoming All-Star game. Therefore, at least one player in Los Angeles must represent their city in a major way. Additionally, Kuzma is the most popular rookie in the NBA. He has outperformed every other rookie other than Ben Simmons. Even against Ben Simmons, Kuzma is more explosive and has a higher upside.
Kyle Kuzma is the highest scoring rookie in the NBA. He has played well against the toughest defenses the NBA has to offer. This rookie, or whatever he is, doesn't even play like a rookie. He scores so easily that he could fool you into be a 25-year old. In any case, Kuzma has a case to becoming an All-Star this year. He is a fluid scorer that has brought the Lakers' back to relevance, even after Lonzo Ball's disappointing start. In a draft class full of studs such as Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Bell, Kuzma gives the Lakers hope because he has transcended the learning curve. He is ready to win now, and he deserves an All-Star selection.
4. Victor Oladipo
Don't look now, but Oladipo has scored seven 30-point games this season. He has scored none in his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers are back into the Eastern Conference standings, and it's all because of their new star, Victor Oladipo. We all knew that he could play. However, no one knew that Oladipo could carry a team. He has outplayed Paul George, in the time when he played in Indiana last year. Oladipo has also built a reputation as a clutch performer, amazing scorer, and a pesky defender. Still, individual performances are great and all, but that doesn't mean that Oladipo deserves an All-Star spot.
Wait. The Pacers are 8th seed in the Eastern Conference? That's right. Oladipo's brilliant performance is why the Pacers are winning. He's putting up 24.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 3.9 APG. That certainly sounds All-Star worthy to me. In the Eastern Conference, there are actually a shortage of quality shooting guards. This is Oladipo's chance to become an All-Star. If he keeps it up, it won't be his only chance.
3. Clint Capela
Clint Capela is averaging 14.2 PPG and 11.2 RPG. He is playing like a top tier center for the Houston Rockets, becoming an instrumental piece in their reign among the top of the Western Conference standings. Capela is shooting a career high 69% from the field. He scores effectively around the basket, and he has shown that he can run in the Rockets' up tempo offense. With the kind of season that Capela has been having, it's not hard to believe that he may become an All-Star. The road for Capela to make the All-Star team won't be an easy one.
He will have to compete against other All-Star forwards and centers such as DeMarcus Cousins, Marc Gasol, Anthony Davis, and Draymond Green. All in all, play beats popularity. Once Capela gets back from injury, the spotlight will be on him to prove that he is an All-Star player. In fact, he is on pace to do just that. Capela is dominating the paint in the Rockets' offense because their shooters spread the floor very well. Therefore, if the Rockets have a great night from the three point line, Capela will shine as well. As underrated as he is, Capela has a legitimate chance of making the All-Star game because of his impact on one of the best teams in the team.
2. Kristaps Porzingis
The 7'3 Lativan big man is having a career year for the New York Knicks. Porzingis is averaging 24.6 PPG and 6.7 RPG, while shooting a scorching 38% from deep. In what was supposed to be a year of rebuilding and tanking for the New York Knicks, Porzingis has transformed the team into a playoff hopeful. He is a mismatch all over the court because of his domineering size. Porzingis' scoring has also been his calling card since arriving to the NBA. When Porzingis wants to score, he can. It's just that simple for a big man that commands double teams in the post and on the perimeter.
The Eastern Conference does have a shortage of All-Star quality power forwards these days. Even so, Porzingis has emerged into one of the best players in the NBA. In the weak Eastern Conference, Porzingis will most likely gain his first All-Star appearance in his third year in the NBA.
1. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is starting to prove the doubters wrong. In his healthiest season yet, Embiid has been an unstoppable force. He is currently averaging 23.8 PPG and 11.1 RPG, and he has played 25 games this season. It's about time people starting taking The Process seriously and here is why. Joel Embiid is making over 50% of his shots from inside of the arc. His 7'0 frame has allowed him to dominate most centers and small ball lineups.
Against the Knicks, Embiid put on a show. With 25 points and 16 rebounds, he further proved why is the real deal. Still under minutes restriction, Embiid is doing well, staying healthy for much of the season. At the start of the new year, we should begin to see Embiid play more minutes for the 76ers. At that point, no one will deny Embiid's place in the 2018 All-Star game, especially alongside of the Greek Freak. That just may be the case for all of these players hoping to make their first NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles. If Antetokounmpo or Durant have their way, these players will certainly be on the radar.
Follow Us
Subscribe