Salt Lake City could see a lot of newcomers for the 72nd All-Star Game.
Photo By: Scott Taetsch (Getty Images North America)
We're just over a third of the way into the NBA season, and the All-Star game is coming quickly. There are a lot of guys this year that are breaking out with their play. So this February, hard decisions will be made on who makes the team, and who stays home. There are the obvious choices like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But there could be some new faces on the bench. So lets get into some of the guys who could make an appearance in Utah.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC
Shai has had a huge breakout season for Oklahoma City. As of today, SGA is third in the NBA in points per game with 31.1 a night. He's shooting the ball on a nice clip, with 50% from the field and a 62% true shooting. Gilgeous-Alexander has propelled the Thunder to a shot at a play-in spot. As they are just 2.5 games out of the final spot. But more importantly, Shai has dominated in basically every game this season. In 17 of his 23 games, he has scored 30+. You can't tell me there are 5 guards better than him. Let alone 5 guards in the Western Conference.
Tyrese Haliburton, IND
We saw a glimpse of his greatness last year after the trade to Indiana. But this season, Tyrese Haliburton has brought his game to a whole different level. The Pacers are 14-13 and sit 6th in the Eastern Conference, and this is in large part due to Haliburton's play. In 24 games this season, Tyrese is averaging a career-high 19.5 PPG and a league-high 11.0 APG on 48% field goal percentage and 39% three-point percentage. And defensively, he is leading a solid Pacers team with 1.8 steals per contest. The jump Haliburton has taken should put him near the top of the MIP ladder, and should land him a spot in the All-Star game. Maybe even as a starter.
De'Aaron Fox, SAC
Well, let's talk about Haliburton's former Sacramento King teammate, De'Aaron Fox. Since the trade to acquire Domantas Sabonis, Fox has flourished. This season especially. In 22 games this year, Fox is averaging 22.8 PPG and 5.8 APG on career-high shooting percentages of 51% from the field and 37% from three. While this may not be Fox's most flashy season in terms of statistics, he is a lot more efficient and is actually leading his team to wins. As the Kings are 14-10 and 5th in the very close Western Conference. If Fox does make the team, it'll likely be as a wildcard. But he should most certainly receive recognition.
Lauri Markkanen, UTA
While he's cooled off recently, the Finnisher has been magnificent this season. The 7 foot forward has led the Jazz to 15-13 record and are currently 6th in the West. Although, Lauri had the surprise Jazz squad in 1st place for just about 10 games earlier on in the season. Markkanen is having a breakout season after being apart of the Donovan Mitchell trade. He is averaging a career-high in basically every category with 22.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.2 APG on 53% FG, 41% 3PT, and 83% FT. Not to mention the Jazz are the host team for this year's game, and the NBA loves to have a guy from the home team on a team. But regardless, it wouldn't surprise me if Markkanen can catch a spot as a backup forward or a wildcard.
Anthony Edwards, MIN
The former 1st overall pick out of Georgia is showing why he got his name called first in 2020. It feels like he could've been an All-Star last year had it not been for some other guys having great seasons. But with the Timberwolves likely going to be around the 5th seed in the West, a guy from Minnesota could make it in as a wildcard spot. With Towns out and Gobert struggling, Edwards has stepped up his play with a career-high 22.8 PPG on 45% field goal percentage. Edwards will be on the brink of a spot or not, and could possibly make it in via injury replacement.
Desmond Bane, MEM
Before his injury, Desmond Bane was lighting up the league with his electric 3 point shooting. But unfortunately, Bane suffered a sprained toe and has been limited to just 12 games. However, in those 12 games, Bane is averaging a career-high 24.7 PPG on 45% 3PT. The Grizzlies are 2nd in the Western Conference and just half a game behind the Pelicans. This level of play from Memphis could command a 2nd all-star alongside Ja Morant. If Bane could come back in time to play an adequate amount of games to be eligible, I think he should be an all-star without a doubt. Just pray he gets healthy.
Jalen Brunson, NYK
The 104 million dollar man has lit up Madison Square Garden on a daily basis. Since signing with the Knicks this off-season, Jalen Brunson has elevated his game in all aspects. He is averaging a career-high in PPG with 20.2 per contest, a career-high in APG with 6.4 a game, and is the lead navigator for the 8th seed in the East. Brunson's game goes far beyond the stats though. His hustle and presence for the Knicks offense has been what's kept them afloat so far this season. While Brunson may not make the team outright, I believe that he should be one of the first selections as an injury replacement for Adam Silver.
Jerami Grant, POR
Jerami Grant has been a crucial piece to Portland's success so far this season. Grant was acquired during the off-season to be the third piece to the Blazers' Big 3 of Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons. So far, that big 3 has been great. Jerami has been the most consistent piece of that puzzle for Portland, as he's averaged 22.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2.8 APG on 47% from the field and 45% from 3. He has been a main piece to the Blazers' 14-12 record even with Lillard missing a lot of time, and Simons missing some time. The West forwards are pretty shallow, so Grant could sneak in as a bench guy if he continues to play at a high level.
Anfernee Simons, POR
The other piece to Portland's Big 3 is the star guard Anfernee Simons. In Lillard's absence this season, the 5th year guard has been carrying a Blazers offense without many other offensive options. While Lillard is on the court, Ant has backpacked a 2nd unit which has ZERO other offensive options. This season Simons has taken a big leap, as he's averaged 23.9 PPG and 4.6 APG on 49% FG and 39% 3PT. Also, he's done all that while leading the league in minutes per game. His consistency could use some work, because he has some super crazy hot days and then some wild cold days. I doubt Simons makes the team as a wildcard or an injury replacement, but if he could get that consistency together, he could make a late push to get a spot.
O.G. Anunoby, TOR
The likelihood is low. But if the Raptors can climb out of this mediocrity hole, there could be a world where OG Anunoby is an NBA All-Star. Anunoby is a dark-horse candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year, and has been leading the league in steals for awhile now with 2.4 per game. Anunoby has led the 7th ranked defense in the league with the Raptors, and has guarded the opposing team's top player night in and night out. But he's not just a defensive player. On offense, OG is averaging a career-high 19.0 PPG with Pascal Siakam missing some time this year. If the Raps can turn it around, Anunoby can slide in as a replacement if need be.
Honorable Mentions: Evan Mobley (CLE), Jamal Murray (DEN), Bennedict Mathurin (IND), Paolo Banchero (ORL), and Keldon Johnson (SAS).
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