Who could be a first-time All-Star this year?

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 05: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 05: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons still won’t shoot jump shots, but he does just about everything else.

To wit, here’s the full list of players averaging at least 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists this season:

· Russell Westbrook (a seven-time All-Star)

· Nikola Jokic (we’ll get to him later)

· Ben Simmons

When Eastern Conference All-Stars began dropping like flies last season, Simmons had a realistic chance to earn a nod as a rookie, but Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic edged him out for the final spot. The coaches who select the reserves this year won’t make the same mistake twice.

Simmons is the fulcrum for a Sixers team that currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference. While Joel Embiid dominates the paint and Jimmy Butler stunts on fools in crunch time, Simmons is the steady hand who makes triple-doubles look effortless.

His lack of a jumper comes back to bite him at times — see: any time he plays the Boston Celtics — but he’s found ways to dominate despite being largely paint-bound. When he isn’t feeding teammates for wide-open jumpers with his preternatural passing vision, he’s creating offense for himself with a crafty selection of post moves and hook shots.

In an All-Star Game that often turns into a 3-point-chucking contest, Simmons would be a refreshing change of pace. Imagine the dazzling transition run-outs in a game with far less defense than a typical NBA contest.

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