NBA Playoffs 2012: A Look at Rookies Who Are Still Contributing

The best players step up in the NBA playoffs. The stars, veterans and youngsters do all they can to advance.

And then there are the rookies.

More times than not, the first-year players crack under pressure and fail to bring it like the veterans around them. In 2012, however, the rookies are shining.

Here's a look at who to watch.

Lavoy Allen, Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Position: Second Round, Pick 50

Lavoy Allen has been huge for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 8.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game against the Boston Celtics.

If you exclude a disappointing Game 3 in which Allen found himself in foul trouble, Allen's averages are at 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.7 steals per game.

Allen's playing time and quality of play have been sporadic throughout the regular season, but have increased in the postseason.

Allen's Sixers tied the series up behind his 10 rebounds, two steals and one block in Game 4.

Postseason Averages: 20.2 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG

Norris Cole, Miami Heat

Draft Position: First Round, Pick 28 (Traded via Chicago Bulls)

After seeing little-to-no playing time through the Heat's first six postseason games, Norris Cole finally got some minutes due to Chris Bosh's injury.

In his appearances, the former Cleveland State star has come up big on the defensive end and well enough offensively.

Here's hoping Cole finds more consistency in minutes and production.

Postseason Averages: 9.0 MPG, 1.3 PPG, 0.8 SPG, 50.0 FG percentage

Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Draft Position: First Round, Pick 15 (Traded via Indiana Pacers)

Game 3 belonged to Kawhi Leonard as he dominated the Clippers with 14 points, nine rebounds, two steals and one block.

Leonard also had three three-pointers and shot 5-of-7 from the floor.

Since the Spurs' series with the Clippers began, the San Diego State alum has posted averages of 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

Postseason Averages: 24.4 MPG, 9.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 52.4 FG percentage, 50.0 3PT percentage

Greg Stiemsma, Boston Celtics

Draft Position: Undrafted

Greg Stiemsma hasn't seen the solid minutes that he had in the regular season, but he remains a consistent contributor.

He's blocking shots, grabbing rebounds and offering the Celtics an important interior presence when Kevin Garnett is on the bench.

He may not see minutes like Kawhi Leonard, but he is certainly an important role player for the Celtics.

Postseason Averages: 9.3 MPG, 0.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.9 BPG