NBA: 5 East players who could become first time All-Stars this season

#2 Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ben Simmons was snubbed from the All-Star game last season despite having one of the most impressive rookie seasons in history. Simmons was hoping to be an All-Star replacement last year but the NBA chose Paul George, Andre Drummond, Goran Dragic, and Kemba Walker instead of him.

This season, Simmons still does not have a three-point shot but he makes it up for it in other ways. He is averaging 15.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.4 steals this season. The Sixers are currently third in the Eastern Conference and they will likely sustain until February.

However, the only hindrance for Simmons is that the Sixers already Joel Embiid, who is surely a lock to make the All-Star game. Philly also acquired Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves and he is averaging 19.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Butler will get some consideration for a spot and he might make it rather than Simmons.