5 NBA players who could be first time All-Stars

By Greg Patuto | Nov 21, 2016

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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Nov 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) dribbles up the court as Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) defends during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mike Conley

Mike Conley certainly took advantage of the NBA salary cap increase. In the offseason, he signed the biggest contract in NBA history which was good for five-years, $153 million. Many were confused by the deal but it was a panic move for Memphis who couldn’t afford to let their best player walk.

Conley enters his 10th season out of Ohio State. People have thought he was snubbed time after time during his career. This year could be his chance to stop the snubbing. Conley is averaging 18.7 points and 6.2 assists per game. This is the highest points per game mark of his career so far.

The Western Conference is full of great point guards. Steph Curry, Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook are just a few names. James Harden is another guy who has been playing like a point guard. The question is, can Conley compete with these guys or even jump one of them? It will be hard, especially since the Grizzlies are hanging around the .500 mark.

It is crazy to think that a player who has never been an All-Star signed a contract worth $153-million but Conley did just that. This season is his chance to earn his money and earn his first All-Star game appearance.

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