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5. Bradley Beal

Even before John Wall’s long-term injury derailed the progress of the Washington Wizards, Bradley Beal should still have been considered their franchise player, rather than the two sharing the mantle.

Beal will have a tough task this season, and leading the Wizards to anything other than mediocrity will be considered a success. Still, he’s one of the best shooting guards in the NBA today and has averaged 26.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game across the Wizards first four contests, but still the Wizards sit at 2-5.

Last season saw Beal operate with a career-high usage rate of 28.4-percent, this season that number is already up to 34.1-percent and doesn’t look to be coming down anytime soon. Beal can score inside and out and is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA, even if he is shooting 33-percent on nine attempts per game this year.

The Wizards will only go as far as Beal can take them this season, and if his playmaking continues to improve and he can impact on defense, the Wizards might be able to make something of this year.

Despite all his talents, Beal comes in at number five on the list, but with a lot of talent taking shape in the East, this isn’t a bad place to be.