NBA Playoffs 2012: Unheralded Players Sure to Be Postseason Heroes

With the 2012 NBA Playoffs giving basketball fans across the world deep excitement, it’s time to find the unheralded players that will be postseason heroes.

The first round is full of upsets waiting to happen this year, but it will take the right player stepping up to make it happen.

All of the following stars will make a big contribution to their team’s first-round effort, and could put them over the edge of success.

Andre Iguodala

Despite the fact that the Chicago Bulls are the No. 1 overall team in the East, the injuries that kept 2011 MVP Derrick Rose out 25 games could have the star off his game.

It will be up to the Sixers' leader and All-Star, Andre Iguodala, to capitalize on the possible weakness and take the game over.

If the Sixers can use Jrue Holliday as a defense specialist for this series and Iguodala can find a consistent shot, there is no doubt that the Sixers could push Chicago around a bit and even possibly steal a series win.

James Harden

After taking a vicious elbow to the head in the regular season from Lakers forward Metta World Peace, Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard James Harden is looking to be the third wheel on what could be a NBA championship team in the making.

With the defense focusing most of their attention on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Harden will have the room to make his own shots or find the open man.

If the Thunder can get Harden going off the bench, they will not only make quick work of the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, they will be heading to the Finals.

Danny Granger

The Indiana Pacers are the forgotten team in all of the first-round talk, but teams like their first-round opponent Orlando Magic can’t forget how dangerous small forward Danny Granger can be.

Without Dwight Howard protecting the lane, Granger will carve up the Orlando defense, topping his 17 points per game average in every game of this series.

If Granger finds his rhythm early, he will lead a very young Pacers team past the Magic and to much bigger things. He will undoubtedly need help, but Larry Bird has built a wonderful team full of talent and depth.

Check back for more on the National Basketball Association as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NBA Page to get your fill of all things basketball.

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