Becoming an All-Star is always the first step to being recognized as a star-player. There are only so many spots on an All-Star team, and players who produce with big numbers and impact often get rewarded with a chance to showcase their skills for the fans.
Yet, there are a few players who have not made an All-Star team yet and have a great chance of doing so this season. These players will be given the opportunity to lead their respective teams, and produce at a high level all season long.
Each of these following players has had excellent seasons in the past, but this might be their chance to finally become an All-Star. Here are the Top 5 Players who are most likely to make their first All-Star team this season.
5. C.J. McCollum
Along with Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum led his team to a deep Playoffs run last year, only to fall to reigning champs Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. McCollum was effective all year long, averaging 21 points per game in the regular season. McCollum was spectacular in the post-season, averaging nearly 25 points per game.
With a chance to make his team one of the top 5 seeds in the West, McCollum has an excellent opportunity to boost his All-Star chances and most likely join Damian Lillard in the upcoming All-Star game.
His sweet-shooting and offensive prowess will surely garner him enough votes, but his production and impact all year long will need to convince pundits that this is his year.
4. Jayson Tatum
Tatum is quickly developing into one of the brightest young players in the league, and many Boston fans are praising Danny Ainge for drafting this kid over the rest. He has a natural feel for the game, along with an instinct to score the ball in almost every way. While he is still raw, Boston has a real gem on their hands.
Tatum will be asked to up his offensive production following the departure of Kyrie Irving. It will be up to Tatum to help new Celtic Kemba Walker produce on the offensive end, along with possibly taking more of a playmaking role.
If Tatum can return stronger and better (thanks to his offseason work with Kobe Bryant), he might make his first All-Star team.
3. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris was almost an All-Star last year, thanks to his uptick in scoring and rebounding. Harris averaged career-highs with 20 points and 8 rebounds per game. He showcased a smooth jumper from mid-range and a very effective shot from deep. Harris also took more of a primary scoring role with the Clippers and was one of the reasons why they were able to make the Playoffs even with his departure later on in the season.
Harris will be required to take more of a scoring role again with the Sixers, especially with Jimmy Butler deciding to go to the Heat in Free Agency. If Harris is able to flourish in his primary scoring role, he could finally become an All-Star player. He has improved his numbers every year since coming into the league, and he might have a chance of doing it this year.
2. Luka Doncic
Last year, rookie Luka Doncic shook the entire NBA world with his spectacular play. After only a few months into the regular season, he was already a lock for the Rookie-Of-The-Year award. Doncic already plays like an All-Star, with an entire arsenal of offensive moves and an ability to come through in the clutch. Luka has one of the purest shots you will ever see, along with an NBA body that will help him score around the basket.
Luka will be the primary scorer and ball-handler for the Dallas Mavericks this season and will be asked to lead his team even at his ripe age of 20 years old. Doncic averaged around 21 points per game last year, and there is no doubt that he will exceed that number this year.
Along with recently-acquired Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic will be a major reason why the Mavericks will be a much more formidable team next year.
1. Devin Booker
Devin Booker is slowly morphing into a superstar offensive player. He has a natural skill of scoring the basketball, and that likely will continue to improve. Booker continues to work on his game in the offseason, focusing his efforts on improving his jump-shot every year.
He wants to be the primary scorer on his team, and take the big shots. His attitude, drive, and dedication to becoming one of the best offensive players in the league cannot go unnoticed. Booker will be sick of losing this season and try to take over the Phoenix offense as much as possible throughout the year.
