With all of the fervor surrounding the All-NBA announcement on Thursday, it seems like a worthwhile time to take a look at who may make an All-NBA roster next year instead. These players are rising stars who just need one more season to truly showcase that they are superstars in the NBA. Some have dealt with health concerns or better players at their position, but all should have something to say in 2017-18. Here are four players who fit the mold.
4. SF Gordon Hayward
He was one of the top players left off of the All-NBA list in 2017, despite seeing a rise in scoring and other marks.
What will be interesting is where Hayward will be playing next season. He is set to be a free agent, and with him no longer being eligible for a special max extension due to missing out on All-NBA this season, he could be paid a comparable amount of money wherever he goes. Perhaps he'll have a better shot at it on the Boston Celtics next season, should he reunite with college coach Brad Stevens.
3. C Joel Embiid
After two lost seasons from a foot injury, Embiid finally took the court for the Philadelphia 76ers this season and immediately inspired the hype. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Health issues came back around, though, leading Embiid to only play in 31 games.
Should he manage to make it through next season healthy, the All-NBA nomination should be his to seize.
2. C Nikola Jokic
There's a monster quietly emerging in the cozy confines of Denver, Colorado. Jokic came off the bench for 14 games in 2016-17, but that didn't stop the Nuggets big man from averaging 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
He had six triple-doubles, ranking only behind Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and LeBron Jams for the most this season; all of those players made the All-NBA First Team.
1. C Karl-Anthony Towns
Towns was disappointed that he didn't crack the All-NBA list this season, but he should have no problem doing so next year. The 2016 Rookie of the Year averaged 25.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in year two of his fledgling career.
He has yet to make an All-Star roster either, but he is clearly a talent on the rise in Minnesota. When next season begins, he will still be enjoying his first year of being able to legally purchase alcohol - he's just 21 years old. Not only will Towns make an All-NBA roster next season, but he could be finishing in the MVP voting within a couple of years as well.
