As the NBA season churns onwards, more and more players continue to appear in headlines as key players in deciding the winners of playoff series. Among these athletes, the contributions of players like Tobias Harris and Jrue Holiday could be critical for their respective teams. Their distinct talents and artistry are likely to determine how far their teams go in playoff season.
Player development, Tobias Harris has always been underrated. His counting stats never really popped off the page when compared to his contemporaries. Despite his lack of experience, he has showed a unique skill set, impacting the game in various ways on both ends. In a league where two-way wings are increasingly valuable, Harris remains irreplaceable for a team struggling to find depth in that position. It’s how he affects both ends of the court that makes him an indispensable player as the playoffs get closer.
This trio’s combined 90% of playtime together averages out to an unbelievable 32% more playtime than any other five-man unit in the league. With all of this experience, the Knicks have still not locked down victories, let alone consistent success, against the league’s best. This fact raises concerns about their competitiveness in the playoffs and highlights the need for improvement in their performance against stronger opponents.
The Golden State Warriors also need young players like Podziemski and Moody to develop and provide offensive spacing outside the three-point line. Their skills are equally important to the team’s success. Even Stephen Curry shouldn’t have to carry the burden of spacing alone. It’s important for the unit to be able to creatively attract defenses. Crucial outside shooting is going to be a major factor for Golden State if they want to make a deep run back into the postseason.
In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers’ willingness to experiment with small-ball lineups has produced unexpectedly strong results. When the Lakers throw Rui Hachimura or LeBron James at center, they manhandle the opposition. They’ve destroyed their opponents by an inhuman 6.7 points per 100 possessions. Their offensive efficiency has radically improved, sporting a stunningly efficient 123.9 rating with these lineups on the court. On defense they still have a long way to go, ranked as below-average defensively.
Add in Jrue Holiday, an All-Star this season, and they have another 1B player who can dominate games to their advantage. He got off to a rough start, making just 34% from beyond the arc for the entire season. Once he got back out there, he turned it around. Once he got rolling, Holiday shot a blistering 39% from deep. This performance showcases his ability to become a difference maker in those moments that matter most in a playoff series.
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