NBA 18/19: 3 Early outside contenders who could make the All-Star game

The 2019 NBA All-Star Game does not take place until February 2019, although NBA fans are already speculating over both the surprise players that could feature and the potential big names that may be left out. Whoever is selected, the game is set to be one of the most exciting ever, as the 68th edition of the All-Star game will be the first that will feature a live televised selection process.

Due to the All-Star rosters being selected by a combination of fans, media, and current NBA players, we are assured to have at least one surprise selection. So here are the three players that have an outside chance of making the 24 man-roster for February's event in North Carolina.

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#3 Luka Doncic

Donic was drafted by the Atlanta Hawk, although he was quickly traded to the Dallas Mavericks

Not many will argue against Luka Doncic's performances being All-Star caliber, although it remains incredibly difficult for a rookie to make the All-Star roster in their first season. After being drafted as the third pick in the NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, the teenager was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, Doncic has lit up the NBA, averaging 17.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his debut campaign.

His shooting range from behind the arc and playmaking ability has earned him a number of fans, including ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who has already stated his belief that Doncic should be named as the league's Rookie of the Year in 2019. The 19-year-old has also led the Dallas Mavericks into playoff contention, which is an impressive feat considering the strength and depth of the West. With his popularity already soaring, Doncic has an outside chance of making the All-Star team in his debut season.

#2 Steven Adams

Steven Adams has yet to make an All-Star weekend despite his impressive form with the OKC Thunder

Steven Adams' stats make an excellent case for his inclusion at the 2019 All-Star event, however, the intense competition in the Western Conference means that the 25-year-old remains an outsider. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Davis both look certain to be included, and this leaves just one other spot for a center on the roster. In order to take the final spot, Adams will have to beat off competition from the resurgent DeAndre Jordan, and the triple-double posting, Nikola Jokic.

Adams himself is having the best season of his career to date, and he is posting career highs in both points and assists. The center is averaging 16.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game and his imposing physical style has been praised as a throwback to NBA centers of a past-time. Ultimately, the amount of competition in the West is the only barrier between Adams and his first All-Star appearance.

#1 Derrick Rose

Rose is looking to make his first All-Star appearance for more than half a decade

Derrick Rose's incredible resurgence has been one of the most talked about stories of the NBA season so far. After mulling over his future in basketball for much of 2017 and 2018, the 30-year-old is once again enjoying playing the game, and he is starting to once again look like the player that became the NBA's youngest ever MVP back in 2011.

Unlike the other player's on this list, Rose has been named to the All-Star team in the past, although his last appearance came way back in 2012. Despite this, the point guard has managed to put himself back into contention this season, as Rose is averaging 18.9 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting at a career-high .483 behind the arc.

While the Minnesota Timberwolves' head coach has stated his belief that Rose deserves an All-Star call-up, the point guard will still find it difficult to make the team, as he is still being used from the bench. Despite this, Rose could be carried in the fans vote, and if he does make an appearance in North Carolina, it will complete an incredible turnaround.