Houston Rockets: Guard Kyle Lowry Making Case for a Future All-Star Selection

Are there certain players in the NBA who will never get the opportunity to play in an All-Star Game?

Well, it appears that may be the case. Every year there are players left off the roster, even though one can make a case for why they should be on it.

One player who may perhaps be joining this notorious list is guard Kyle Lowry of the Houston Rockets. The former Villanova product, entering his sixth NBA season, came on strong towards the end of last season after finally securing the starting point guard spot under first-year head coach Kevin McHale.

Although not a pure point guard (a combo guard), Lowry has taken his game to another level with his all-around play, allowing his teammates to put themselves in better situations and, as a result, play better.

Lowry was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team trade with the Orlando Magic (who drafted him back in 2006 in the first round) during the middle of the 2008-09 season, and has since stayed around and worked his way to take over the starting point guard spot.

After the Rockets matched a four-year contract offer first set by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2010 offseason, Lowry has been playing his highest level of basketball. Last season Lowry averaged 13.5 points to go along with 6.7 assists, and this season has been averaging a career-high 14.8 points, 7.9 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game through the first 24 games.

So far this season, Lowry has been playing more of an all-around game, as shown by his triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves where he posted 16-10-10, and multiple other occasions where he was close to putting up more triple-doubles. Lowry has also become a leader for a young Rockets team that is in the process of incorporating their youngsters with their established veteran players each game.

As the season rolls along, it will be interesting to see what additions if any the Rockets make that will allow them to grow in the Western Conference.