New York Times Predicts 3 Jazz All-Stars
In their annual All-Star projections article, The New York Times and NBA reporter, Marc Stein, predicted not one, not two, but three Jazz players will make the All-Star game.
Fan voting for the All-Star game concluded last night and the starters will be announced Thursday on TNT. The coaches will then select the reserves, and they'll be announced next Tuesday.
Gobert & Mitchell
In the article, Stein selects his presumed starters, sure thing reserves, and wild cards. While he doesn't claim that the Jazz will have any starters he does consider Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell as sure-thing reserves.
The commentary about Gobert has been consistent across the league. Most think he won't be a starter due to the MVP-type seasons of Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic. However, most consider him a reserve lock. The opinion on Mitchell has been less consistent. A few, (such as Greg Anthony and Steve Smith) consider him a starter. Others, (like Shaun Powell) have him in as a wild card recipient. And a small contingent think he won't make it all.
Mike Conley
Finally, Stein predicts that Mike Conley will be one of the two wild card spots, making it in over Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram (Pelicans); Christian Wood (Rockets); De’Aaron Fox (Kings); DeMar DeRozan (Spurs); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder); Ja Morant (Grizzlies); & Devin Booker (Suns).
While there are many Conley supporters, the majority think it's unlikely he makes it (especially considering his recent absences due to injury). Such as the Ringer's Kevin O'Connor who, when explaining why he kept Conley out, stated, "I’m a nice guy, but I’m not sentimental".
With the recent announcement that Snyder will be coaching in the All-Star game--it would be quite the accomplishment for the Jazz to have four representatives in Atlanta.
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