The NBA playoffs represent the ultimate challenge for leading teams and ambitious contenders alike. The outcomes of this postseason will significantly impact key players and coaches, influencing their careers and team strategies well into the next season.
Decisions made during the summer and for the upcoming season will be heavily influenced by playoff performances. A past example is the Mavericks` trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move partly rooted in Dallas`s journey to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Therefore, it`s crucial to observe certain pivotal figures throughout the playoffs. For players like Doncic, a strong playoff showing is about proving their worth. For some veterans and emerging talents, substantial contracts are at stake. And for several coaches, their jobs may depend on their playoff success.
As we approach the play-in tournament and the playoffs, let`s examine 25 significant individuals and how this postseason might shape their futures.
Sections:
Stars with something to prove
Top youngsters aiming for the next step
Pivotal veterans who could define a deep run
Money on the line for these key players
Coaches at the center of attention
Stars with Something to Prove
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch for: The Mavericks` decision to trade a superstar like Doncic was unprecedented. They justified it by claiming Anthony Davis offered a better chance at championships, despite Doncic leading them to the Finals months prior. This isn`t just a revenge game; it`s a revenge postseason for Doncic.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
What to watch for: While the Pacers reached the 2024 Eastern Conference finals, Haliburton wasn`t dominant, with reduced stats post-injury. This season, he`s improved, averaging 20.6 PPG and 11.0 APG since the All-Star break with strong 3-point shooting.
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
What to watch for: Leonard appears healthy for the playoffs, averaging 25.0 PPG since the All-Star break with efficient shooting. However, injuries have prevented him from completing a playoff series since 2021.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch for: Mitchell`s playoff scoring average is historically high, but he hasn`t reached the Finals. With a strong team and top seed, this is his chance to prove his postseason mettle.
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
What to watch for: Towns boosted the Knicks` offense, but their defense against top teams has faltered. He needs to anchor a strong playoff defense at center.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
What to watch for: The Hawks improved despite roster changes, but Young`s performance dipped. Atlanta needs his 2021 conference finals level to succeed in the play-in and beyond.
Rising Stars Aiming for the Next Step
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
What to watch for: Cunningham`s breakout season led the Pistons back to the playoffs. This All-Star will experience his first postseason against the Knicks.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch for: The Cavaliers` faith in Garland-Mitchell paid off with a top seed. Garland faces a tougher playoff challenge, especially defensively against teams like Boston. He needs to be offensively impactful.
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch for: Injury slowed Holmgren, but he`s vital to the Thunder`s Finals hopes. His offense picked up late in the season, providing a key outlet when defenses focus on Gilgeous-Alexander.
Chet Holmgren missed a large chunk of the season with a hip injury but will be a key figure in the Thunder`s title quest.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
What to watch for: The playoffs could be Thompson`s breakout. His athleticism and defensive skills alongside Brooks will be key for the Rockets.
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
What to watch for: Wagner was inconsistent in last year`s playoffs. Improved consistency will be crucial for Orlando`s competitiveness.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch for: Williams needs to step up after last season`s playoff struggles. His All-Star level play this season suggests a stronger run.
Pivotal Veterans Who Could Define a Deep Run
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
What to watch for: Brown is a proven playoff performer and champion. The concern is his knee health, which affected his scoring in March.
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
What to watch for: Green at center has unlocked the Warriors` defense. Maintaining this in the playoffs is crucial for their contention.
Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks
What to watch for: The Bucks need more from Kuzma, especially with Lillard`s health concerns. They need his scoring to advance in the playoffs.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
What to watch for: Murray has been a playoff standout. His performance dictates the Nuggets` success, especially after struggling in last year`s playoffs.
Money on the Line for These Key Players
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
What to watch for: Giddey`s strong second half has increased his value as a restricted free agent. Playoff success will further legitimize his surge.
James Harden, LA Clippers
What to watch for: Harden can increase his leverage for his player option with a strong postseason performance. He`s already had a resurgent season.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
What to watch for: Kuminga`s contract year hasn`t gone as planned. He needs to find opportunities in the playoffs to prove his value as a restricted free agent.
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
What to watch for: Randle`s player option decision is significant. A strong playoff run could offset his reduced stats in a smaller role.
Coaches at the Center of Attention
David Adelman, Denver Nuggets
What to watch for: Adelman is an unexpectedly inexperienced head coach leading a championship contender into the playoffs.
Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis Grizzlies
What to watch for: Iisalo is also very inexperienced in the NBA playoffs, making his debut after a career in Europe.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
What to watch for: Mazzulla`s philosophy will be tested. The Celtics` playoff results will reflect on their high-volume 3-point style.
JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch for: Redick, in his first full season, faces the challenge of leading a team with stars like Doncic and James through the playoffs.
In his first year as an NBA coach, JJ Redick has guided the Lakers into the No. 3 spot in a tough Western Conference.
Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
What to watch for: Udoka transformed the Rockets` defense quickly. Another deep playoff run would solidify his status as a top NBA coach, despite his team`s playoff inexperience.
