NFLThe NBA’s choice to hold an All-Star Game in Atlanta this season has some players scratching their heads. While it is always an honor to make the game, many players are not too excited about going to it. Of course, those are the LeBron James of the world who make it everything. For some guys, this could be their first and only chance to make and play in the game.
Some guys would have liked to see as a first-time All-Star in 2021, and some were selected.
Julius Randle – New York Knicks
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It may have taken seven years, but Julius Randle is finally living up to his high draft pick and is a worthy All-Star this season. Randle’s play helps the New York Knicks battle for a playoff spot (in a terrible Eastern Conference) and makes them one of the best bets in the NBA this season. He is averaging career highs in just about every category, including points (22.4), rebounds (11.1), and assists (5.6) per game. Randle and Nikola Jokic (a lock for the All-Star team this season) are the only two NBA players, averaging at least 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
Fred VanVleet – Toronto Raptors
After dropping a franchise-record 54 points against the Orlando Magic, the campaign to get Fred VanVleet voted as an All-Star picked up. VanVleet made his first appearance on the voting list during the second count – and looked to climb higher after a productive last few games. VanVleet is averaging a career-high 19.8 posts and matching last season with 6.6 assists per game.
The point guard is the only Raptor to suit up for every game this season. While FVV was a bit of a longshot to make it, he could add the All-NBA Defensive team title this year as he has been stellar this season (averaging 1.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game along with countless deflections and disruptions).
Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans
If Zion Williamson played more in his rookie season, he would likely not be on this list – as he probably would have been voted in last year. However, he did not, but he will make his first appearance this season – on the back of a strong sophomore campaign. Williamson PER of 25.8 is seventh-best in the NBA, and his offensive win shares ranking eighth at 2.7 – impressive numbers for a second-year player. See you in Atlanta, Zion!
Zach LaVine – Chicago Bulls
You may not have noticed it – as the Bulls have not been competitive – but Zach LaVine has quietly developed into an elite NBA scorer. LaVine has upped his scoring average every year since joining the Bulls in 2017 – to now an impressive 28.1 points per game. He is also averaging a career-high 5.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists, giving him very similar numbers to Kobe Bryant during his second All-Star season. It is hard to bet against a player averaging over 28.0 points per game, not making the All-Star team, which he did.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
Things are only getting better for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who we shall call SGA from now on) in his third season. SGA is hitting 50.6% of his shots and 38.2% from beyond the arc. Additionally, he is averaging 22.6 points per game and 6.5 assists per game (tied for 16th as of Valentine’s Day). He is single-handedly keeping OKC in the mix in the Western Conference – despite the roster around him designed to tank and rebuild.
De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings
In his fourth season, the Kings point guard lives up to his draft status and is putting together an All-Star caliber season. Fox is scoring 23.4 points per game – a career-best for Fox – and 6.7 assists per game. Fox won his first Player of the Week Award on February 8, which should have helped him snag some extra votes. The Western Conference is deep for guards, but there was an additional spot up for grabs with James Harden now in the East. Unfortunately, it did not go to Fox (or SGA)
