NBA 2019-20: 3 Players that will return to the All-Star Game this season

The 2019-20 NBA season finally gets underway later this week and basketball fans and analysts alike are busy making their annual predictions for the forthcoming campaign. Among the most intriguing topics is who will make the 2020 All-Star Game in Chicago - as there will be intense competition in both conferences to snag one of the 24 available roster spots.

Emerging stars such as Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Trey Young, and Zion Williamson are among the young talent hoping to earn their first appearance, although several seasoned veterans are hoping to return after being snubbed last year. So, ahead of the 2019-20 season, here we will take a look at three veteran stars that are set to return to the 2020 All-Star Game after missing out last season.

#3 Andre Drummond - Previous All-Star Appearances: 2016, 2018

Andre Drummond missed out on the 2019 All-Star Game despite leading the NBA in rebounds

Andre Drummond has previously made All-Star appearances in 2016 and 2018, although despite once again leading the NBA in rebounds last season, the center was overlooked for selection in the East. At the time of his snub, Drummond had recorded almost 40 double-doubles, and the 26-year-old was averaging 16.5 points and 14.8 rebounds per contest.

Nevertheless, the selection of his Pistons teammate Blake Griffin's combined with Detroit's inconsistent form impacted his chances of making a third appearance. However, Drummond enters the new season hoping to land a maximum contract next summer, and the 26-year-old is likely to post the biggest numbers of his career. Meanwhile, the Pistons have improved in free agency, and if they are firmly in the playoff hunt when All-Star weekend rolls around - Drummond is unlikely to be overlooked.

#2 Draymond Green - Previous All-Star Appearances: 2015, 2017, 2018

Draymond Green missed out in 2019 following a poor start to the season

Unlike the other players on this list, Draymond Green wasn't exactly snubbed last season. Before the All-Star break, Green struggled to reach his usual level of performance, and the 29-year-old's jumpshot had virtually deserted him.

Nevertheless, Green quickly improved following the All-Star break and his performances during the 2019 playoffs were nothing short of excellent. Over 22 appearances, Green averaged a near triple-double with 13.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game and the guard successfully quietened his critics who had argued that his best years were behind him.

The Warriors start the new season without the departed Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala, while Klay Thompson will also miss the rest of 2020 through injury. Due to this, Green has the platform to take on a more prominent role in the coming months and the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year is primed to make a fourth All-Star appearance.

#1 Jimmy Butler - Previous All-Star Appearances: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Jimmy Butler is expected to post significant numbers following his move to the Bulls

Jimmy Butler was courted by many of the NBA's contenders this summer, although the 30-year-old made the surprise choice to join the Miami Heat. While Miami doesn't provide Butler with the opportunity to challenge for a title, he will be able to put up potential career numbers as the focal point of a team that will be battling for one of the final East playoff spots.

Butler will no longer have to contend with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris for shots, and as the number one offensive option, Butler is likely to average upwards of 25 points per game for the first time in his career.

Before being left out of the All-Star Game last year, Butler had made four consecutive appearances, although his early-season trade combined with a stacked Sixers roster meant he was never likely to make it five in a row. Nevertheless, Butler is now positioned to be an annual All-Star for the considerable future.