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

3. Clint Capela

Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets

This summer, Clint Capela signed a five-year, $90 million deal to stay with the Houston Rockets. In an interview with The Athletic, Capela believes that he should have been an All-Star last year and he vowed that he will make it this season.

In 22 games this season, Capela is living up to his contract and promise as he is having a career year despite the struggles of the Rockets. He is averaging 17.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game, all of which are career highs. Capela is also shooting 65.9 percent from the field but still struggling at the line, shooting 58.5 percent.

The competition for an All-Star spot in the West is tough but Capela has a legitimate shot at making the team. Rudy Gobert and the Jazz are struggling, LaMarcus Aldridge of the Spurs is having a down year, and Karl-Anthony Towns is still recovering from Jimmy Butler’s mind games.