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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 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Hassan Whiteside

With the departure of Dwyane Wade and the health questions surrounding Chris Bosh, the door is open for Hassan Whiteside to become the face of the franchise for the Miami Heat. Defensive players don’t typically get the credit they deserve in today’s NBA.

But the combination of highlight blocks, dunks and the likelihood of more offensive touches could allow Whiteside to create enough buzz to get him in the All-Star Game.

Whiteside has made his reputation by putting up gaudy numbers, particularly in the block column. Without Wade to generate offense, the team will likely feature the Goran Dragic/Whiteside pick and roll more.

Whiteside has been one of the most effective pick and roll scorers in the league over the last two seasons. He scored 1.34 points per possession as a roll man this past season. That number is second only to DeAndre Jordan out of players that had at least 100 touches in the pick and roll.

By featuring this part of his offense more, his points per game will surely see a significant surge.

However, Whiteside’s chances may be hurt by the absence of a center position in All-Star voting. With three forward and two guard positions, Whiteside’s competition includes players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and other perennial All-Star forwards.

The hopes of Miami returning to the playoffs will largely rest on the shoulders of Whiteside. A strong start to the season is likely what it’ll take to see him in New Orleans next year.

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