13 Non-Star Players Who Could Decide the First Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs

While NBA championships are typically won by superstars, the supporting cast plays a crucial role, especially in the playoffs. Looking ahead to the upcoming playoff season, it`s worth examining players who, while not the primary stars, could significantly influence their teams` success in the first round. These are players who can swing the momentum of a series with impactful performances.

From backup point guards to defensive specialists and imposing centers, these players may not be the top option for their teams, but their performance under pressure could be the deciding factor in whether their teams advance.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ty Jerome

Ty Jerome has been exceptionally efficient this season. Statistically, he has exceeded expectations in shooting accuracy more than any other player who has taken at least 200 shots. Interestingly, he is ranked above NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic in this metric, which takes into account factors like shot location and defender proximity.

Jerome`s performance off the bench for the Cavaliers has been notable. He`s shooting 44% from three-point range and has effectively maintained the team`s offensive flow when All-Stars Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland are resting. The question is whether he can maintain this level of play in the playoffs, especially defensively, and if he will get sufficient playing time when rotations tighten.

Boston Celtics: Jrue Holiday

After returning from a pinkie injury, Jrue Holiday significantly improved his three-point shooting, hitting 39% of his attempts. This is vital for the Celtics, as opponents often prioritize defending his star teammates, leaving Holiday open. He gets a lot of space for his three-pointers, indicating less defensive pressure on him compared to other Celtics shooters.

Holiday`s partnership with Derrick White in the backcourt has been crucial for Boston`s strong defense. However, his offensive contribution, especially making open shots, is also critical for the Celtics` playoff success, similar to his 40% three-point shooting during their championship run.

New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson returned late in the season after ankle surgery but quickly showed his impact. In limited minutes, he`s been highly productive in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and steals, while maintaining a high field goal percentage. He`s also one of the league`s best offensive rebounders.

Robinson offers a different dynamic for the Knicks, who heavily rely on their starting lineup. If their primary strategy isn`t effective, especially against top teams like the Celtics, Robinson’s rebounding and interior presence could be the change they need, possibly through increased playing time or by playing alongside another center.

Indiana Pacers: Aaron Nesmith

The Pacers` early-season struggles might be attributed to the absence of key perimeter players like Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard. Once both returned to the lineup in mid-January, the Pacers` performance dramatically improved. They became one of the league`s top teams in net rating after January 1st.

Nesmith is valuable on both offense and defense. He shoots efficiently from three-point range and is the Pacers` best option for guarding top opposing wing players. His on/off court impact is significant, highlighting his importance to the team`s success.

Milwaukee Bucks: Kyle Kuzma

The Bucks` acquisition of Kyle Kuzma, replacing Khris Middleton, was a gamble, hoping Kuzma would elevate his game in a better team environment. However, his performance hasn`t significantly improved in Milwaukee compared to his time in Washington. His advanced stats remain poor, ranking among the league`s worst.

The Bucks` performance actually worsens when Kuzma is on the court. Despite potentially being the team`s second offensive option, especially with Damian Lillard`s injury, Kuzma needs to improve quickly to justify his role and help the Bucks in the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons: Tobias Harris

While 76ers fans were critical of Tobias Harris`s playoff performances in Philadelphia, he`s now showing his value for the Pistons. Despite the Pistons missing the playoffs, Harris has a significant positive impact on their net rating. The team performs much better when he is playing compared to when he`s on the bench.

Harris contributes in multiple areas and is a vital two-way wing for a team lacking depth at that position. His playoff experience is also a valuable asset for the young Pistons team entering the playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Aaron Wiggins

For the Thunder, a key question is their secondary scoring beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While Jalen Williams is crucial, Aaron Wiggins represents a less obvious but potentially impactful player. After February 1st, Wiggins increased his scoring and three-point shooting percentage, becoming the team`s third-leading scorer.

Although Coach Daigneault has deep roster options, Wiggins could be important in stretches when Gilgeous-Alexander rests or is heavily defended. His contributions in those minutes could be critical for the Thunder`s playoff aspirations.

Houston Rockets: Steven Adams

Steven Adams` scoring isn`t his primary contribution, but his physicality and rebounding are. Coach Udoka`s use of two-big lineups with Adams and Alperen Sengun has made the Rockets an elite offensive rebounding team. Their rebounding percentage when both are on the floor is exceptionally high.

While opposing teams might try to exploit the Rockets` two-big lineup defensively, the Adams-Sengun pairing has been highly effective offensively. This unique lineup could continue to be a valuable asset for the Rockets in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Lakers: Rui Hachimura

While Austin Reaves is a key player for the Lakers, Rui Hachimura also plays a vital role, particularly in their small-ball lineups. With limited traditional center options, Hachimura has played a significant amount of minutes at center this season.

Hachimura provides three-point shooting and, importantly, rebounding and size in these lineups. Lakers lineups featuring Hachimura or James at center have been offensively potent, although defensively they are less strong. His ability to play center is crucial for the Lakers` flexibility.

Denver Nuggets: Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is known for his inconsistent performances. This season has been a microcosm of that. After a difficult period, he found a role with Denver and has performed well filling in for injured players. However, his recklessness has also cost the Nuggets games.

Westbrook`s playoff effectiveness may depend on how much he plays with Nikola Jokic. His efficiency and decision-making are better when playing alongside Jokic. His role and playing time in the playoffs will be interesting to watch, especially with the recent coaching change in Denver.

LA Clippers: Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac has been statistically one of the most valuable players in the NBA this season, ranking highly in advanced metrics. This is despite playing on a team with stars like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell, often overshadowed.

Zubac excels on both offense and defense and has been consistently available. His importance to the Clippers is magnified in the playoffs, especially in a potential first-round matchup where he would be tasked with defending Nikola Jokic.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Julius Randle

Julius Randle has a history of struggling in the playoffs. His playoff shooting percentages are very low, and he has more turnovers than assists. He needs to improve his playoff performance significantly.

Randle’s on/off court impact for the Timberwolves is also negative, which is concerning given the team traded for him. For the Timberwolves to make a deep playoff run, Randle needs to elevate his play and become a more consistent contributor.

Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski

Brandin Podziemski improved significantly after a mid-season slump. Following a team change (likely trade mentioned in the original text, though Jimmy Butler III joining Warriors is incorrect and likely a confusion), Podziemski`s scoring and three-point shooting percentages increased dramatically.

Podziemski’s improved shooting makes him a better fit alongside stars like (likely Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, given Warriors context). He and Moses Moody are crucial for spacing the floor for the Warriors` offense. Lineups featuring Podziemski alongside key players have shown strong net ratings, suggesting his importance to the Warriors` playoff chances.