NBA Playoffs 2011: James Harden and the 10 Unsung Heroes of the Postseason
The playoffs brings the best out of every player in the NBA. The MVP of the league, Derrick Rose, has played incredible, Dirk Nowitzki has put up ridiculous numbers and Zach Randolph defied all odds and almost led his team to the Western Conference finals. But there are other players that don't get all the recognition that they deserve. Essentially, the offensive line of basketball, these players let the stars bask in the spotlight and keep working hard.
Jeff Teague (Atlanta Hawks)
1 of 10
Jeff Teague was expected to play a limited amount of minutes in the playoffs, but when Kirk Hinrich was sidelined with an injured hamstring, he did not disappoint. Teague didn't put up flashy numbers, but he ran Atlanta's offense and knocked down key shots for his team. And though they didn't get past the Bulls in the postseason, one good thing came out of it: Jeff Teague proved that he was ready to step up.
Tony Allen (Memphis Grizzlies)
2 of 10
Tony Allen's range is limited to 15 feet and yet he still finds way to put points on the board. Allen is a staunch defender and was a nightmare for whoever he was guarding. He found himself guarding Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant in the playoffs and never disappointed. Allen was swindled by none other than Kobe Bryant for the shooting guard position on the NBA All-Defense First Team, but found a home on the second team. Without his defense and his finishing ability, Memphis probably wouldn't have made the playoffs.
Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder)
3 of 10
Serge Ibaka is a relentless shot blocker and an exceptional defender. Along with his outstanding leaping ability, Ibaka also has great timing to be able to anticipate when his man is going to put up the shot. And to add onto that, the guy's averaging 3.3 blocks per game in the playoffs. What more can you ask for from your power forward?
Nick Collison (Oklahoma City Thunder)
4 of 10
Nick Collison is like Kris Humphries in New Jersey. The guy just grabs boards and does his job. Against the Grizzlies, Collison did everything from face-guarding to wrapping up Z-Bo to keep him from scoring. And in the end, it worked. His next task is an impossible one: guard Dirk Nowitzki. In Game 1, Nowitzki dropped 48 on the Thunder, but if Collison can find some way to keep the ball out of Dirk's hands, the spotlight just might shine on a new player in Oklahoma City.
Taj Gibson (Chicago Bulls)
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That picture tells it all.
Taj Gibson brings athleticism and defense to the Chicago Bulls. He can guard multiple positions and he knows how to pick his shots. Gibson's defense was vital to the Bulls' Game 1 victory over the Heat. He's not the best power forward in the NBA, but in time, after he's fully developed, Gibson will become part of that conversation.
Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)
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All of the attention went to Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, but Mike Conley ran the offense. Conley's numbers have increased every year he's been in the NBA, and he showed during this playoff run that he is, without a question, the point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He knocked down shots to help keep his team in the game and he got the ball to the best player when and where he wanted the ball. Conley is truly an unsung hero of the Grizzlies' success.
Joakim Noah (Chicago Bulls)
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Joakim Noah is a complete mystery. He's not athletic and not extremely tall. He can't shoot and his post game is sub-par. But somehow he finds ways to rally his team with his defense. He describes himself as the "energy guy" of the team, and you see it every time he steps onto the floor. Noah's a great defender. He possesses the wingspan to defend taller big men, as well as the lateral quickness to guard quicker forwards and guards. Without Joakim Noah, Chicago wouldn't be able to stop the dual penetration of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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James Harden brings instant offense and electricity off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is the best three-point shooter on their team, and he finishes at the rim with authority. Harden has helped provide a spark for his team numerous times throughout the playoffs, and had it not been for his great shooting against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Thunder wouldn't be in the Western Conference finals.
J.J. Barea (Dallas Mavericks)
9 of 10
It amazes me how J.J. Barea succeeds in the NBA. He's so short, yet he is one of the best in the NBA at penetrating the lane, and he plays exceptional pick-and-roll basketball. Barea can hit the three and when he gets to the lane he always knows what to do. And in Game 1 against the Thunder, he completely abused Nate Robinson with his basketball IQ and ability to attack the hole.
Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls)
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Luol Deng has been the most impressive non-superstar in the playoffs by far. Not only has he provided a second offensive option to Derrick Rose, but he plays stifling defense and hits hit open shots. Deng is a versatile defender, being able to guard positions from the point guard to the power forward. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Miami, he frustrated LeBron with his suffocating defense.
Deng is one of those glue guys that make up the Chicago Bulls; it wouldn't be the same without him. He brings a certain intensity on defense and he has the heart of a lion. He will be essential in the finals when the Bulls get past the Heat, as he will be faced with the challenge of guarding Dirk Nowitzki or Kevin Durant.
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