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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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives around Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 28, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a stone-cold lock to be named an All-Star starter, but Milwaukee Bucks teammate Khris Middleton has a legitimate chance to join him in Charlotte.

With new head coach Mike Budenholzer in the fold, Middleton is taking (and making!) far more 3-pointers than ever before. Last season, he shot 35.9 percent from deep on 5.0 attempts per game; this year, he’s up to 36.9 percent on 7.2 attempts.

Middleton’s per-game scoring average and field-goal percentage have dropped slightly, but the former is because he’s playing five fewer minutes per game this year than he did last season. Despite that dip, he’s one of only eight players who’s averaging at least 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two triples this season, joining Paul George, James Harden, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, Victor Oladipo and Luka Doncic.

Aside from Doncic, who we’ll get to shortly, all six of those other players are virtual shoo-ins for the All-Star Game, barring injury. Middleton has the lowest scoring average of the bunch, but as the No. 2 option on the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, he’ll benefit from team success being rewarded with All-Star selections.

The competition for one of the final Eastern Conference spots will be stiff. Antetokounmpo, Oladipo, Griffin, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and Kemba Walker all figure to be locks, and Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal and Andre Drummond may not be far behind. That likely leaves Middleton to compete with Jimmy Butler and a certain Orlando Magic big man for the last nod.

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