NBA All-Star Game 2018-19: All-Star caliber guards: Part 2

The 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend is just about 3 weekends away from today. 14 teams in the Western Conference are fighting spiritedly for only eight playoff berths, while the Eastern Conference basement is itself in a state of flux due to the competitiveness of the Nets, Hornets and the Orlando Magic.

All of this means that there are a number of deserving players with the talent and ability to match the actual All-Star selections toe for toe on any given day, but won't be playing at that stage. That much has been obvious given how many breakout seasons we're having from emerging players in a variety of roster situations in 2018-19.

Let's take a look at some of the spectacular guards whose chances of making it to the 18th February festivities in Charlotte are slim only because of external factors, not their own play:

#1 Zach LaVine

Averaging 22.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, former Timberwolves lottery pick Zach LaVine has gotten back on the developmental track that he'd gotten on to during his 3rd season in the league. Following a lackluster return from an ACL surgery at the fag end of last season, questions were asked whether LaVine merited a long-term investment by the Bulls.

Right now, his 4-year, $78 million contract looks well on its way to looking like a steal. LaVine's 3-point percentage is down from 39% at his peak to a less spectacular 34.7% on 5.1 attempts per game today. The biggest challenge for him right now is to establish himself as a praiseworthy defender, as he's proven to be a matador in the past. He has the tools to work on it and improve to become a good defender, but what remains to be seen is how he reaches his potential.