Fansided

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

By Bryan Toporek

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)
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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ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 30: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 30: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have started to backslide after a surprisingly promising start to the 2018-19 season, but Nikola Vucevic remains a bright spot for them.

In a contract year, the 7-footer is averaging career highs in points (20.1), rebounds (11.8) assists (3.6) and 3-pointers (1.2) per game while shooting a personal-best 52.3 percent overall and 39.4 percent from deep. He’s tied with Deandre Ayton and Enes Kanter with 21 double-doubles on the season, trailing only Joel Embiid (30), Rudy Gobert (28), Andre Drummond (26), Clint Capela (23), Ben Simmons (23), Anthony Davis (22) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (22).

Vucevic still isn’t what one would call a traditional rim protector — his 1.1 blocks per game are third on his own team, trailing rookie center Mo Bamba and sophomore big man Jonathan Isaac — but that limitation should have no bearing on his All-Star worthiness. He’s one of only four players to be averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, and the other three — Davis, Antetokounmpo and Embiid — are locks not only to make the All-Star Game, but to be named starters.

If the Magic can pull out of the three-game skid they currently find themselves in and remain in playoff contention through January, Vucevic will have a far greater chance of receiving his first All-Star nod. He otherwise runs the risk of being seen as someone putting up big numbers on a bad team.

Either way, Vucevic has a convincing case to give the Magic their first All-Star since Dwight Howard in 2011-12.

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