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Top 10 Candidates To Be First-Time All-Stars In 2017

By Justin Rowan

Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs up to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward James Ennis (4) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs up to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward James Ennis (4) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ranking which players are most likely to become an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2017.

Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs up to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward James Ennis (4) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs up to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward James Ennis (4) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Nothing brings out the optimism in fans quite like the start of a new season. With all teams at 0-0, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild with what’s ahead. For teams looking to make a leap in the upcoming season, the focus turns to the internal growth of their players.

Role players blossoming into starters, starters into All-Stars. It’s easy to watch the summer workout videos and picture players taking that next step. But in order to become an All-Star, there’s usually a few things that need to take place.

In order to become an All-Star you usually need to play on a team that’s in the playoff hunt. If you aren’t in the hunt, you need to be putting up numbers so remarkable that you leave no option but to put you in. It’s also important to look at how much competition is at that position.

A player like Mike Conley has been playing at an All-Star level, but has never been able to be a top guard in the conference. The final option is that you achieve a level of popularity that ushers you in with the fan vote.

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All these factors play a part in which players make it into the league’s showcase of elite talent.

With that in mind, let’s rank which players are most likely to become a first-time All-Star in 2017.

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