The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Predicting next year’s Eastern Conference All-Stars

By Jackson Frank

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 19: The players line up before the game at the 66th NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center on February 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 19: The players line up before the game at the 66th NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center on February 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 23: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 23, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 23: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 23, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

. Cleveland Cavaliers. Kevin Love. 4. player. 156. 2016-17: 19.0 PPG, 1.9 APG & 11.1 RPG (42.7 FG%, 37.3 3PT%)

Public perception of Kevin Love has oscillated for many years now. Once thought of as the NBA’s top power forward, Love has spent the majority of his time as a Cavalier on the trading block, failing to adequately adjust to his new role as a tertiary option. This past season, Love re-solidified his status as an All-Star, producing his best numbers to date while in a Cavaliers uniform, making his fourth All-Star team — and first since 2013-14, back during his time with the Timberwolves. Whether or not Kyrie Irving begins the season with the Cavaliers should have little effect on Love, who will continue to provide steady 3-point shooting, strong rebounding numbers and the ever-impressive outlet pass to LeBron for an easy bucket.

18. 2016-17: 21.9 PPG, 3.5 APG, 5.4 RPG & 1.0 SPG (47.1 FG%, 39.8 3PT%). Shooting Guard/Small Forward. Boston Celtics. Gordon Hayward. 3. player

Each and every season, Gordon Hayward adds another facet to his game, continuing to perfect his craft. Whether it be improving as a playmaker or developing a more consistent jumpshot, the 6-foot-8 swingman is always working. Last season was no different as Hayward made his first All-Star team, leading the Utah Jazz back to the playoffs after a four-year absence. While the Butler University product will likely see most of his time in the backcourt alongside new Boston Celtics teammate Isaiah Thomas, Hayward is a natural small forward and is far too talented of a player to leave off the All-Star team, despite a loaded guard class in the Eastern Conference. After joining the Celtics this offseason, Hayward looks primed to make his second consecutive All-Star appearance.

player. 27. 2016-17: 18.1 PPG, 1.5 APG, 7.2 RPG & 2.0 BPG (45.0 FG%, 35.7 3PT%). . New York Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis. 4

Were it not for an achilles injury in mid-December, hampering his play leading up to the All-Star break, Porzingis would have likely made the trip to New Orleans as an All-Star reserve last season. Possessing the mobility and 3-point shooting prowess to that of a guard as well as the post skills and interior defense of a big man, the 7-foot-2 Latvian has been dubbed a “unicorn” by many NBA pundits, stemming from his near-mythical abilities. Porzingis is both the present and future of the New York Knicks. He should be afforded every opportunity to put his skills on display next season, likely leading to PorzinGod’s first-ever All-Star appearance.

Next: Sixers mailbag -- Shooting, playoff chances and more

Inevitably, one (or more) of these players will fail to make the 2018 All-Star game. Whether it be due to injury or perennial All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Carmelo Anthony staying put in the East, it’s hard to imagine myself going 12-for-12 in these predictions. But if nothing else, let’s hope I hit correctly on my selection of Joel “The Process” Embiid and he remains healthy, helping lead the Sixers back to playoff contention next season.

(All stats via Basketball Reference)