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5 NBA players who could be first time All-Stars

By Greg Patuto

Nov 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after scoring a basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kristaps Porzingis

New York almost rioted when Porzingis was taken fourth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. People didn’t think that a skinny kid from Latvia could be successful in the NBA. Well, critics quickly turned into fans as Porzingis had a very good rookie campaign. He averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He showed ability to play in the post, range out and shoot the 3-pointer, and play lock down defense down low.

Porzingis finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Karl-Anthony Towns but this year Porzingis has his sights set on a bigger goal. In the offseason, he worked hard on ball-handling and moves to help him create his own shot. Early in the season, it seems to be working. Porzingis is averaging 20.3 points per game and is showing New York that they have a good young player who can be the leader of this team for a long time.

Porzingis has emerged as the best player on the Knicks who so far have been mediocre. This is a player who can win an MVP before his career is over and this year could start his legacy as an All-Star.

Aside from the numbers that Porzingis is putting up, the NBA All-Stars are chosen by the fans. Popularity has skyrocketed for Porzingis since he entered the league. New York will definitely be on their computers and voting for number six. At 7-foot-3, he has the ability to make noise in the All-Star game but also the talent to compete in the 3-point contest. This could be the year where the product from Latvia makes an appearance at All-Star weekend.

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