NBA: 5 Players That Deserve First All-Star Appearance

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Nov 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) goes up for a shot against Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kemba Walker

As I live and breathe, the Charlotte Hornets (13-8) have captured the second spot in the Eastern Conference. I’m wasn’t sure I’d ever see the day. Somewhere, Michael Jordan is sitting in his robe in an armchair, smoking a cigar and chortling while he writes out a bunch of “Screw You!” letters to everyone who said his team sucks.

It wasn’t easy to decide who should get picked from this team to attend the All-Star game. I mean, someone has to get a shot since this team has been so surprisingly good. But who? Al Jefferson has already been an All-Star in years past, and thus it really comes down to two guys: Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum.

It’s so tough to choose. They bring different things to the game, but their overall impact is similar in terms of numbers. They both help make Charlotte a top 10 squad in offensive rating (10th) and defensive rating (seventh). Somehow.

Anyway, here’s why I went with Kemba.

He’s having quite a good year in general. He’s averaging:

17.4 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.9SPG, 0.8BPG, 44.6 FG%, 36.9 3P%, 79.8 FT%, 33.8 MPG

He himself has an offensive rating of 109.0, and there are only 13 players in the entire league who are putting up at least 17 points, four rebounds and four dimes a night. Other than Walker, the list includes the likes of John Wall, Curry, James Harden, George, LeBron, Westbrook and Damian Lillard. Everyone on that list is an All-Star caliber player.

There have been a few signature Kemba games this year too – instances of brilliance. He dropped 31 points on 57.1 percent shooting on the Knicks at MSG; he hammered the Kings for 39 points, six rebounds and five dimes; and he popped the Bulls for 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in one of the club’s key wins of the season.

While Walker isn’t a ball hawk, his defensive rating is currently 99.8, which is a major step up from last season (104.0).

Plus, out of everyone on this list, Walker might be the most fun to have in an All-Star game. He’s got some flash to his game, and it’s always fun to see little guys making big passes to soaring athletic-types.

In the end, you have to reward winning and it’s impossible to deny that Kemba’s club has done just that. Without his help, they wouldn’t be in the position they are now.

Next: KAT