Kyle Lowry, entering his sixth year with the Toronto Raptors, is the team’s heart and soul. While his backcourt partner DeMar DeRozan gets the lion’s share of fanfare — and deservedly so — Lowry is still Toronto’s best player. Aside from a mid-season wrist injury, Lowry once again showed why he is widely regarded as one of the conference’s top point guards last season. Despite making three consecutive All-Star appearances (2015, 2016, 2017) while being arguably the East’s best point guard over that same span, the 31-year-old remains one of the league’s most underrated players. As previously stated, either Lowry or DeRozan is the presumptive favorite to start alongside John Wall in the backcourt during next year’s All-Star game; it’s simply a matter of who the Toronto fan base chooses to back more heavily.
Much to the delight of Celtics fans everywhere, Isaiah Thomas emerged as both the team’s best player and unquestioned leader last season. Thomas’ leadership was on full display during last year’s playoff as he overcame personal tragedy to help lead the Celtics out of a 2-0 hole in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Chicago Bulls. The 5-foot-9 guard displayed a knack for uncanny finishing ability, both around the rim and late in games. Thomas showed he belongs in the conversation for title of the Eastern Conference’s best point guard and much of the league will be watching to see what he does for an encore following a spectacular 2016-17 season.
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Following a breakthrough campaign in 2015-16, Walker took a step further in his development, making his first ever All-Star team last season. Despite the Hornets on-court struggles, Walker thrived, continuing to show an increased 3-point ability and improved shot selection. While a fringe All-Star last season, the former NCAA champion should be firmly entrenched on next year’s roster after the departures of 2017 Eastern Conference All-Stars Jimmy Butler, Paul George and Paul Millsap this offseason.
As the third overall pick back in 2012, Bradley Beal largely underwhelmed throughout his first four NBA seasons, primarily due to a plethora of injuries. Beal was clearly talented, but was unable to play in more than 63 games during the early portion of his career. Last season though, the former Florida Gator played in 77 contests, turning in by far his best season yet, producing All-Star caliber numbers. Beal and John Wall combined to form one of the most potent backcourt attacks in all the league, guiding the Wizards to the East’s fourth seed and next season, the duo is likely to both be in Los Angeles, partaking in All-Star Weekend festivities.