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5 Players Who Will Make NBA All-Star Game For First Time In 2015-16

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

5 Players Who Will Make NBA All-Star Game For First Time In 2015-16

Kawhi Leonard Spurs
Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

There are many terrific NBA players who haven't made the All-Star Game. This list will features five players who will be selected to their first All-Star Game in 2016. Serge Ibaka, Andrew Wiggins, Rudy Gay, Nikola Vucevic, Greg Monroe and Gordon Hayward are honorable mentions.

5. Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson Charlotte Hornets
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

5. Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson Charlotte Hornets
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

Al Jefferson has been a dominant offensive player at times, yet he doesn't get much recognition. If Jefferson's Hornets win games he will be an All-Star. Jefferson had his worst year in quite some time, but he still averaged 16.6 points and 8.4 rebounds this past season. It's hard to believe that a player who has averaged at least 21 points and 10 rebounds in three different seasons hasn't been an All-Star.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks
Jason Miller / Getty Images

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks
Jason Miller / Getty Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo has All-Star written all over him, maybe even superstar. The 20-year-old "Greek Freak" is much better than most imagined at this stage. Many knew he would be good, but in 3-4 years, not now. Antetokounmpo averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists last year. If he improves his range, Antetokounmpo can be unstoppable. He has the ability to lock down 3-4 positions and is a good ball-handler. Life is good in Milwaukee.

3. Draymond Green

Draymond Green Golden State Warriors
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3. Draymond Green

Draymond Green Golden State Warriors
Noah Graham / Getty Images

Draymond Green is a jack-of-all trades player similar to Antetokounmpo. Like Antetokounmpo, he doesn't put up big scoring numbers. Green averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the champs. He is a lockdown defender who plays with as much heart and energy as anyone. Don't think that Green's low scoring numbers will keep him out of the All-Star Game.

2. Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis Indiana Pacers
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2. Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis Indiana Pacers
Christian Petersen / Getty Images

Monta Ellis will be an All-Star this season and a big reason will be the change of scenery. Ellis has been in the Western Conference for eight of 10 full seasons. That means competing with guards like Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook. The man has averaged more than 24 points twice in his career. Ellis averaged 18.9 points and 4.1 assists last year, and if he puts up those numbers in Indiana, he will be selected finally.

1. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard San Antonio Spurs
Garrett Ellwood / Getty Images

1. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard San Antonio Spurs
Garrett Ellwood / Getty Images

It seems like a guarantee that Kawhi Leonard will be an All-Star. The reigning defensive player of the year has improved his offensive game significantly since winning the Finals MVP in 2014. Leonard averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals. The addition of LaMarcus Aldridge will only make life easier for Leonard, who will likely be the Spurs' second option.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

    George Middleton is a writer for RantSports.
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