The return of healthy Jae Crowder is a big positive as we look ahead to this upcoming season. ESPN Insider's Kevin Pelton sees Crowder on the fringe of his list of potential first-time All-Stars:
The four Eastern Conference candidates on Pelton's list are The Greek Freak, Whiteside, Reggie Jackson, and Porzingis. While it's easy to see any of those four making a leap next year, it's just as easy to see them flaming out on mediocre teams. And that's where Crowder's place on a Celtics team that continues to improve each year helps his case for being a first time All-Star.