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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 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is congratulated by teammates in the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is congratulated by teammates in the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Rudy Gobert

In many ways, Rudy Gobert is the Hassan Whiteside of the Western Conference. His highlight blocks and monster dunks have earned him notoriety around the league.

But while Whiteside will benefit from a spike in production after the departure of teammates, Gobert will benefit from playing on a team likely to make a leap next season in the Utah Jazz.

Health will likely be a determining factor for Gobert next season. He missed 21 games last season and will need to stay on the court in order to have a breakout year. If he does stay healthy, the presence of an actual starting point guard in George Hill should make a huge difference.

Having a point guard to feed him the ball and effectively run the pick and roll with will be a large improvement from last season. As a result, expect a solid bump in his points per game for next year.

With improved depth and the young core of Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors a year older, the Jazz should compete for homecourt in the Western Conference.

While Favors may make a larger impact on the game than Favors, Gobert is the flashier of the pair and more likely to get recognition.

If the Jazz are able to get a top-four seed during the first half of the season, they likely will be rewarded with one or two All-Stars. While Gobert is a solid candidate, he won’t be the last Jazz player to be featured on this list.

Next: Blazing a Trail in Portland