5 candidates to be first-time NBA All-Stars in 2019

On February 17th, the 2019 NBA All-Star game will take place at the Spectrum Center in North Carolina. The rosters will be announced in January and the new system of captains choosing the teams will be enforced for the second time due to the success of the system in 2018.

Last year's event resulted in notable first-time All-Stars such as Joel Embiid, Bradley Beal and Victor Oladipo. The 2019 All-Star game also looks set to include a number of first time appearances, so here are the five frontrunners to be selected as a first-time All-Star.

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#5 Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon has steadily improved since being drafted as the 4th pick by the Orlando Magic

Aaron Gordon is no stranger to All-Star Weekend. The 23-year-old played his part in one of the most impressive Slam Dunk Competitions of all-time in 2016 and Gordon is coming off the best season of his career. Gordon is averaging 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, and he has played a crucial role in the Magic's early season form. The power forward has elevated himself into serious contention to make his All-Star debut.

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#4 Zach LaVine

LaVine is a multiple Dunk Contest winner

LaVine is the man that beat Gordon during that stunning 2016 Dunk contest. The Chicago Bulls star won the competition in both 2015 and 2016, and he has hinted that he could return next year. The 23-year-old may also find himself in the All-Star Game for the first time, as LaVine has been impressive despite the Bulls' poor season.

He is currently averaging over 25 points-per-game and if LaVine continues this form until January, we could be seeing him in both the Dunk Contest and All-Star Game.

#3 Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons will likely go onto become a multiple NBA All-Star

Many thought that the young Australian would be an All-Star in his first season but the 22-year-old narrowly missed out due to the array of talent in his Conference. Simmons went on to win the Rookie of the Year however, the 76er will have his eyes on making a first-time All-Star appearance in 2019.

The 2016 number one pick continues to post a near triple-double every night, and he is currently just shy of averaging one for the season. Thanks to his standout performances, Simmons should be linking up with teammate Joel Embiid in the All-Star game.

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#2 Steven Adams

Steven Adams is one of the toughest players in the NBA

Steven Adams has never been selected to the All-Star team despite being one of the toughest and most effective players in the league. In the 2018/19 season, Adams is on course to average a double-double for the first time in his career, and he offers both defensive steel and a viable option in the paint.

The 25-year-old would be deserving of a place in Charlotte, however, the Kiwi faces stiff competition from the likes of Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns.

#1 Nikola Jokic

Jokic posts triple-doubles from the center position

Nikola Jokic demonstrates just how much the center position has changed over the last decade. The Serbian is able to shoot the three and he is also among the best passers in the entire NBA.

He has been the driving force behind the Denver Nuggets' excellent start to the season, even posting a historic triple-double where he didn't miss a shot. Just like with Adams, a lot of centers are battling for a few spots, however surely Jokic's incredible ability will not be ignored once again.