The NBA playoffs represent the ultimate challenge for leading teams and emerging contenders alike. This postseason carries significant weight for many top players and coaches, with implications reaching far into the offseason and beyond.
The outcomes of these playoffs will heavily influence team strategies for the upcoming summer and the next season. Consider, for instance, the Mavericks` trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, a decision stemming from Dallas`s 2024 NBA Finals appearance.
Therefore, it`s crucial to monitor these key individuals throughout the playoffs. For players like Doncic, a strong postseason run is about proving their worth. For veterans and rising stars, substantial contracts are at stake. And for several coaches, their job security hangs in the balance.
As we approach the play-in tournament and the playoffs this weekend, let`s examine 25 pivotal figures and the potential impact of this postseason on their futures.
Stars with Something to Prove
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch for: The Mavericks` unprecedented decision to trade a superstar like Doncic in his prime, and then justify it by claiming Anthony Davis offered a better path to championships after Doncic led them to the Finals, sets the stage for a highly motivated postseason. This isn`t just a revenge game scenario; 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`s performance wasn`t dominant, with lower averages (18.7 PPG, 8.2 APG) compared to his regular season due to a hamstring injury. This season, he`s showing strong pre-playoff form, averaging 20.6 PPG and 11.0 APG since the All-Star break with 44% 3-point shooting.
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
What to watch for: Similar to Haliburton, Leonard appears to be peaking at the right time. Since the All-Star break, he`s averaged 25.0 PPG with impressive shooting percentages (51/44/81). His athleticism is visibly back. However, past seasons remind us of potential injury setbacks. Leonard hasn`t completed a playoff series since 2021.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch for: Mitchell`s playoff scoring average (28.1 PPG) is historically high, ranking seventh all-time. Yet, unlike the players above him on that list, Mitchell has never advanced past the second round. With a stronger team and the East`s top seed, this is his opportunity to prove his postseason staying power.
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
What to watch for: Towns` arrival significantly boosted the Knicks` offense, making it top-five in the league. However, their struggles against elite teams (0-10 against Boston, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City) point to defensive vulnerabilities. After playing power forward for Minnesota, Towns must demonstrate he can anchor a solid playoff defense at center for the Knicks.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
What to watch for: The Hawks improved this season despite trading key scorers. However, Young’s performance wasn`t the primary driver. His scoring (24.2 PPG) and shooting percentage (41%) were down. For Atlanta to advance from the play-in and compete in the first round, they need the version of Young who led them to the 2021 conference finals.
Rising Stars Aiming for the Next Step
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
What to watch for: Cunningham`s breakout season, leading the Pistons back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, is a major storyline. As a likely All-NBA pick and first-time All-Star, averaging 26.0 PPG and 9.1 APG, he`ll now experience his first postseason against a seasoned Knicks team.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch for: The Cavaliers` decision to keep the Garland-Mitchell backcourt paid off with Garland`s All-Star season and the team securing the East`s No. 1 seed. The playoffs pose a tougher challenge for Garland, especially against teams like Boston. He needs to be offensively impactful, unlike his injury-affected 2023-24 playoffs (15.7 PPG).
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch for: An injury slowed Holmgren`s progress, but he`s vital to the Thunder`s Finals aspirations. His offense picked up in the regular season`s final month. He`ll be a crucial offensive outlet when defenses focus on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
What to watch for: The playoffs could be Thompson`s breakout. As a starter, he averaged impressive stats (16.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 3.3 steals+blocks). Coach Udoka`s strategy for using Thompson alongside Dillon Brooks on a team that jumped to the No. 2 seed in the West will be interesting.
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
What to watch for: While Banchero played well in his debut, Wagner was inconsistent in last year`s playoff loss to Cleveland. He needs to maintain his improved season averages to help Orlando compete.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch for: The Thunder need more from Williams, their second scorer, than in last season`s playoff loss. His improved All-Star season, with increased offensive contribution, suggests a stronger playoff performance this year.
Pivotal Veterans Who Could Define a Deep Run
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
What to watch for: Brown has proven his playoff abilities, winning Finals MVP in 2024. The main concern is his knee health, requiring pain management injections. His March scoring was notably down, raising questions about his condition.
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
What to watch for: Green`s move to center has revitalized the Warriors. While not the same rim protector, his position allows for switchable lineups and forces turnovers. Maintaining this in the playoffs is crucial for Golden State`s contention.
Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks
What to watch for: The Bucks` trade for Kuzma aimed to get a better version than he was on the Wizards. While his 3-point shooting improved, his overall impact hasn`t been significant, especially with Lillard`s injury. Milwaukee might need more from Kuzma for playoff success.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
What to watch for: Murray was a playoff standout in past Nuggets` runs, performing at an All-NBA level. However, he struggled in last year`s playoff loss. His performance heavily influences the Nuggets` success, and his recent return from injury is crucial.
Money on the Line for These Key Players
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
What to watch for: Giddey, a restricted free agent, has increased his value with a strong second half of the season, nearly averaging a triple-double. His playoff performance will determine his contract value and prove the sustainability of his recent surge.
James Harden, LA Clippers
What to watch for: Harden`s player option and future contract leverage depend on a strong postseason. He`s had a productive season, making his first All-Star appearance since 2022. Playoff success will further boost his value.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
What to watch for: Kuminga`s contract year hasn`t gone as planned. He lost his starting role and playing time has become inconsistent. He needs to find opportunities in the playoffs to prove his worth as a restricted free agent.
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
What to watch for: Randle`s player option decision is significant. In a smaller role with the Timberwolves, his stats have declined. A strong playoff run could offset this, though his past playoff shooting struggles are a concern.
Coaches at the Center of Attention
David Adelman, Denver Nuggets
What to watch for: Adelman unexpectedly became head coach after Malone`s dismissal. His playoff inexperience is unprecedented for a championship contender. The playoffs will be a major test of his leadership.
Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis Grizzlies
What to watch for: Iisalo, also inexperienced, took over the Grizzlies late in the season. His European coaching success now faces the NBA playoff challenge. The play-in tournament will be his first NBA postseason experience.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
What to watch for: Mazzulla`s championship validated his approach, and the Celtics doubled down on their 3-point heavy style. Their playoff results will be seen as a referendum on this strategy.
JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch for: Redick, despite being a first-time head coach, is more experienced than Adelman and Iisalo. Leading a team with Doncic and James is a significant step up. He needs to manage the playoff run and adapt to its challenges.
Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
What to watch for: Udoka transformed the Rockets into a top defense in two seasons. Another deep playoff run would solidify his reputation as a top NBA coach. However, he has more playoff experience than most of his players, who are making their debuts.