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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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Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs. At Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs. At Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gordon Hayward

As I mentioned earlier, the Utah Jazz seemed destined to make a significant leap next season. Unless something unforeseen happens, that leap will place the team’s best player into the All-Star Game.

Gordon Hayward has flown under the NBA radar for several years now. While he doesn’t do any one thing that stands out at an elite level, there are few players as complete as him. Look at his advanced numbers in comparison to an All-Star in Klay Thompson:

Ball handling, rebounding, defense, and the ability to create for himself or others has made Hayward one of the more dangerous weapons in the league. Having the presence of George Hill next to him at point guard should take some pressure off of him to create for everybody.

Expect a rise in efficiency as well as an All-Star appearance during a breakout season for this Jazz star.

While he may not have the star power or the appeal of Towns or Antetokounmpo, he does have the benefit of playing on a much better team. The Jazz should be in contention for home-court advantage in the Western Conference and it seems highly that they wouldn’t receive an All-Star.

More hoops habit: NBA Injuries: 20 Stars That Deserve Career Do-Overs

Unless Hayward misses significant time, he should be the easy pick from Utah.