With the NBA postseason just around the corner, many players and coaches are at interesting crossroads that could determine their future Hall of Fame status. Luka Doncic is looking to blow the roof off in his third-straight postseason appearance. While he did average an impressive 17.0 points per game, even he struggled at times, shooting just 44% on his two-pointers against the Mavs’ intimidating paint wall. The tension has never been greater as each team battles for the all-important championship ring.
Maybe the biggest domino falling will be Julius Randle deciding what he’ll do with his $29.5 million player option. This decision has the potential to shape the New York Knicks’ long term future as they continue to build their team. Josh Giddey has proven to be an incredible asset for the Oklahoma City Thunder so far. Since the All-Star break, he’s nearly averaging a triple-double with extraordinary statistics of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists per game. Make no mistake — his second-half surge has significantly raised his market value.
The postseason makes stars out of the players who have been great in high-pressure situations before. On Jamal Murray’s emergence as one of the best playoff overachievers in NBA history. He was an integral force behind the Denver Nuggets reaching the conference finals in 2020 and their championship victory in 2023. Darius Garland is under the microscope this year. He’ll have to turn those chances into numbers after averaging just 15.7 points per game during last summer’s woeful playoff trip, riddled by injuries.
Donovan Mitchell is still lighting it up on the hardwood! He has the seventh-best career playoff average of all-time at 28.1 points per game on Basketball-Reference.com. His undeniable scoring prowess will be much needed down the stretch as the Cleveland Cavaliers look to make a run deep into the postseason. Kyle Kuzma talks pressure to step up now that he’s with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Orange are looking for their first playoff series victory since 2022.
Coaching changes have further influenced the tenor of team cultures this season. Though Tuomas Iisalo only coached the last nine games—Iisalo replaced Taylor Jenkins after 73 games—his impact was felt in the team’s performance. His lack of experience was evident under the high stakes circumstances. Meanwhile, David Adelman unexpectedly took over coaching duties for the Nuggets following Michael Malone’s surprising dismissal during the season’s final week, a move that could alter Denver’s playoff trajectory.
Jaylen Brown Though only 20, Brown has proven himself on the playoff stage. He captured MVP honors in both the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals during the Celtics’ championship run in 2024. Like Jayson Tatum’s Celtics, who made history by shooting almost 4,000 three-pointers this year, a testament to their offensive identity.
As teams prepare for the playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance will complicate defensive strategies for opponents focused on limiting Chet Holmgren’s impact. There you have it folks—watch out for Paolo Banchero! This year, he’s setting career highs across the board and continuing this level of play will be a key to Orlando staying competitive.
Sidelined with injury, Kuminga has cut it close coming up on restrictive free agency. His uninspired contract year might go a long way towards determining his future choices.
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