NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Most Underrated Players in This Year's Postseason

When it comes to making a deep run in the NBA Playoffs, a successful team's star player generally receives all the credit. Hidden behind the spotlight of the superstars are the players that serve integral roles. These are the players that can make or break their team's season. 

Let's take a look at the five players from this year's playoffs that might not always get their props, but are key to their team's success.

5. Luol Deng, SF, Chicago Bulls

The loss of Derrick Rose for the remainder of the playoffs may prove fatal to the Chicago Bulls, unless they can get some much needed offensive production. 

Enter: Luol Deng

Deng is far from a superstar. He is probably the third or fourth most recognized player on his own roster, but the value he brings on offense to the Bulls is vital. Now that D-Rose is gone, Chicago needs someone who can step up and create their own shot. Though Deng normally scores by cutting to the hoop or on pick-and-pop plays, he does have a long, athletic body and can get past defenders if he needs to. 

If the Bulls hope to move any further than the second round, they'll need to trust in Deng's underrated game and make him the top offensive option.

4. Nick Young, SG, Los Angeles Clippers

When you think of the Los Angeles Clippers, you probably think of the players that make up "Lob City": Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and maybe even DeAndre Jordan. However, the Clips have a few other great players on their team, and one of them comes off the bench.

Nick Young made a name for himself Sunday night in the Clippers' historic 27-point comeback over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1. Young made three consecutive three-pointers...in 60 seconds. He had a personal 9-0 run that lifted the Clippers offense right when it looked like they might be toast.

Young has always been a great pure scorer, and that's exactly why Los Angeles acquired him in a three-team deal on March 15. He's brought life to a Clippers offense that really has looked stagnant at points this season. Young will be key to a deep Clippers playoff run.

3. Mike Conley, PG, Memphis Grizzlies

Sticking with the Clippers-Grizzlies series, point guard Mike Conley Jr. is the floor general for the Memphis Grizzlies. He has flown under the radar for much of his career, but was the star of his team on Sunday night, scoring 17 points on 5-for-5 shooting from downtown, along with eight assists and five boards.

NBA fans got a great look at Conley last year when the eighth-seeded Grizzlies pulled off a shocking first round upset over the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. Though Conley had a great series and garnered a lot of attention, Grizzlies big man Zach Randolph stole the show with his huge performances night-in and night-out.

The Grizzlies offensive firepower this season can be attributed to their great point guard and assist man. If Memphis hopes to carry on into the second round and past the confident Clippers, they'll need to depend on Conley to set up his teammates and play stellar defense.

2. Ramon Sessions, PG, Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers made a deal to acquire Cavaliers point guard Ramon Sessions midway through the regular season in hopes that they would get a solid starting point guard. That's exactly what they got.

Sessions would have been a great starter for the Cavaliers had they not already had star rookie Kyrie Irving running the show. Luckily for the Lakers, that was the one position the Cavs were overloaded at. In the end they received a great passing and shooting point guard.

Sessions is lucky to have come into a situation with such great scoring options available in Bryant, Gasol and Bynum. He is certainly making the most of it. Though he will never be the star player on this team, Sessions brings some much needed strength to the point guard position with the ability to penetrate the defense and kick it to cutting or shooting teammates. 

Though the star players were amazing for the Lakers in Game 1 against the Nuggets, the Lakers will need Sessions to run the show if they hope to make another title run this year.

Serge Ibaka, PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder

Oh yes, I went there. If there is one player that can push his team over the edge this year to a championship, it's Serge Ibaka of OKC.

Durant, Westbrook, and Harden have long been synonymous with the Thunder team, but Serge Ibaka has been creating a name for himself this year. If you thought Andrew Bynum's 10-block performance in Game 1 against the Nuggets was impressive (which it was), take a look at Ibaka who did it three times this season. He led the league in blocks this year with 3.63 a game, 1.3 more than JaVale McGee's still-impressive 2.33 per.

Ibaka also brings great rebounding and solid scoring in addition to his incredible defensive play. Scoring 22 points in his first playoff game this year makes Ibaka that much scarier. 

Great Offense+Great Defense= Watch out NBA.