NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Ranking Every Starter from Every Remaining Team

The NBA playoffs are officially short on teams but remain deep on talent.

Only four organizations are alive in the quest for a defining championship ring and will look to their starting five to lead the way.

Though bench players are extremely important, it's the starters that set the tone for an entire game.

So, while hoisting a Larry O'Brien Trophy is all about teamwork and succeeding as a collective, let's see how every remaining starter fares when pitted against one another.

Note: In order to account for injuries and any other changes, starters and their respective positions were determined using each team's most recent lineup. 

20. Ronny Turiaf, C, Miami Heat

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 2.3 points, 0.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 0.1 steals, 0.6 turnovers, 50 percent shooting

Ronny Turiaf brings a wealth of energy with him onto the court and can body up against big men much stronger than himself.

Aside from that, though, he doesn't bring much else to the table. His legs are not what they used to be and he often clogs up the paint when LeBron James or Dwyane Wade are making their moves to the basket.

That's price you pay for a Big Three, however, especially when one of them is forced to watch from the sidelines. 

19. Boris Diaw, F, San Antonio Spurs

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 6.7 points, 2.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 0.7 steals, 0.8 turnovers, 54.3 percent shooting

The Spurs have been lucky enough to see the Boris Diaw that many grew to appreciate in Phoenix.

Diaw is giving San Antonio a valiant, but more importantly consistent, effort on a nightly basis. He's one of the rare players who can play all five positions and can do so without much of a transition needed.

That said, Diaw's ever-present tendency to give up on plays drags his value down substantially.

He's simply a very good player trapped in a poorly conditioned body.

18. Thabo Sefolosha, SG. Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 4.2 points, 1.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 0.4 blocks, 1.3 steals, 0.3 turnovers, 40 percent shooting

Though many would like to see James Harden inserted into Oklahoma City's starting lineup, his production is sorely needed coming off the bench. And while Thabo Sefolosha is no superstar, he is a sound stop-gap.

Sefolosha is hardly known for his offense, though he can knock down the three-ball.

His defense, on the other hand, is widely respected. He has great hands, above-average anticipation and isn't afraid to block shots.

There are plenty of other players more talented than Sefolosha, yet he remains a key cog in the Thunder's explosively effective machine.

17. Shane Battier, SF, Miami Heat

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 5.3 points, 1.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, 1.0 steals, 0.7 turnovers, 28.6 percent shooting

Shane Battier is a heralded perimeter defender, yet he has struggled when defending some of the more physical forwards during the playoffs.

The veteran has great anticipation and has many opposing players' moves down to a science, but he is susceptible to getting beat of the dribble if he miscalculates a first step.

Most surprisingly, though, Battier has failed to shoot the ball effectively. He has received a variety of open looks but is shooting 27.1 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from deep.

If the Heat wish to make their championship aspirations a reality, they're going to need Battier to climb out of this basement.

16. Daniel Green, SG, San Antonio Spurs

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 9.2 points, 1.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 0.6 steals, 1.3 turnovers, 45.5 percent shooting

On any other team, Danny Green would be a solid role player. On Gregg Popovich's team, though, he's a two-way stud.

Not only is Green lights out from behind the rainbow, but he's adept at battling for rebounds in the paint. He's also a sound perimeter defender who gets over or under screens with the utmost of ease.

Green is no superstar, but he does what's asked of him, an attribute that has him riding high in San Antonio.

15. Kendrick Perkins, C, Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 4.0 points, 0.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 0.3 steals, 1.2 turnovers, 39.5 percent shooting

Kendrick Perkins hasn't been even half of the player we know he can be this postseason.

Perkins is shooting an abysmal percentage from the field and isn't aggressive enough on the boards.

Though the 6'10" center is terrific at forcing opponents to adjust their shots on the defensive end, he has to find a way to put together a string of consistent performances.

14. Brandon Bass, PF, Boston Celtics

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 11.4 points, 0.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 0.6 blocks, 0.4 steals, 0.7turnovers, 44.1 percent shooting

There's been a lot to like about Brandon Bass this season.

Without Jermaine O'Neal to bang in the low post alongside Kevin Garnett, the Celtics have been thankful for Bass's physical play.

The power forward has improved his touch around the basket and even added a strong mid-range jump shot to his repertoire.

While Bass has been somewhat of a pleasant surprise for Boston, his lack of aggression on the glass coupled with mediocre rebounding and poor passing can render him a liability at times.

Still, there's no denying how much he has improved, nor how important he has been to the Celtics' playoff run.

13. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 8.3 points, 0.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 1.4 steals, 0.9 turnovers, 48.2 percent shooting

Holy intangibles.

Rookie sensation Kawhi Leonard has already established himself as one of the biggest hustle players in the game.

Leonard is adept on the glass, tough on defense and has taken great strides toward improving his outside shot. He's also reliable and not afraid to hit the floor for a loose ball.

The Spurs have been absolutely dominant all season but wouldn't have played at as high of a level if it weren't for their perpetual ball of energy in Leonard.

12. Marios Chalmers, PG, Miami Heat

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 11.3 points, 3.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 1.0 steals, 1.8 turnovers, 43.3 percent shooting

Mario Chalmers has nearly mastered the role that comes with playing alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

The point guard is a deadly three-point shooter who doesn't get deterred very easily. He doesn't shy away from open looks and is extremely reliable from the corner.

Though Chalmers' floor general abilities are average at best, he's a solid perimeter defender. He's got great feet and good off-ball anticipation.

Chalmers has been a role player the star-studded Heat are able to lean on all postseason, and there's hardly any more you could ask from him.

11. Ray Allen, SG, Boston Celtics

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 9.9 points, 1.2 assists, 40.0 rebounds, 0.0 blocks, 0.8 steals, 0.9 turnovers, 40.8 percent shooting

Ray Allen, one of the best sharpshooters to ever play the game, has struggled to find his shooting touch as of late.

The shooting guard was relegated to the bench in favor of Avery Bradley but has been thrust back into the starting lineup after his successor was shut down for the remainder of the season.

Allen has always appeared to be somewhat ageless, but the miles are finally starting to show.

That said, he's still good for a big shot or two per game.

10. Serge Ibaka, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 9.3 points, 0.7 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 0.5 steals, 0.4 turnovers, 53.1 percent shooting

Serge Ibaka receives plenty of credit for defensive prowess, yet he is more than just a shot-blocker.

What makes Ibaka so great on defense is his anticipation. He's great at reading pump-fakes and first steps, which, in turn, leads to a wealth of blocked shots.

He's not just a one-trick pony, though. Ibaka has refined his offensive game quite a bit over the past year. He has a great touch around the rim and has even added a mid-range jump shot to his once-upon-a-time limited arsenal.

For a team that struggles to play consistent defense as a whole, Ibaka is a necessity for Oklahoma City.

9. Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 19.3 points, 3.5 assists, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, 1.5 steals, 3.0 turnovers, 41.7 percent shooting

As big time as Paul Pierce is, there's been something missing in his game thus far in the playoffs.

Pierce has struggled to get into a groove on the offensive end and the clutch shots he has become known for haven't been as prevalent.

Despite being in a rut on offense, though, the small forward has contributed in other areas of the game. He's rebounded and defended well, and even played the role of facilitator.

Pierce is one of the postseason greats and invaluable to the Celtics' rotation, but he's going to need to step it up if Boston wishes to have a fighting chance against Miami.

8. Tim Duncan

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 2.8 assists, 9.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 0.9 steals, 1.3 turnovers, 52.3 percent shooting

They said Tim Duncan was finished. They were wrong.

Duncan has been his usual, understated and consistent self all postseason. His footwork is as eloquent as ever and his efficiency from the field has never been more obvious.

Though he may be 36 years old, Duncan is playing like he's 26, which is one of the primary reasons why San Antonio has rolled over each of its playoff opponents.

7. Kevin Garnett, C Boston Celtics

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 19.5 points, 1.6 assists, 10.7 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.4 steals, 2.1turnovers, 50.9 percent shooting

Tim Duncan isn't the only aging veteran who has turned back the clock.

Where Ray Allen and Paul Pierce has stumbled, Kevin Garnett has excelled. He's averaging a double-double and has his hand in everything.

Whether it's rebounding, blocking shots, scoring from all areas of the court, hitting the open man or just keeping his team mentally focused, Garnett does it all.

He's hated in some circles but adored in others. Regardless of what side of the fence you stand on, though, his impact, especially since the start of the postseason, is undeniable.

6. Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 23.4 points, 4.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 0.2 blocks, 1.7 steals, 1.8 turnovers, 45.7 percent shooting

Russell Westbrook takes plenty of flack for his shot selections and totals, but he stills puts points on the board.

Westbrook is an explosive finisher at the rim and has perfected his mid-range jump shot. He's also one of the best rebounding guards in the league, especially on the offensive end.

And while his defensive tactics are at times unnecessary, he's got quick hands, feet and vision that translate into steals and easy buckets in transition.

There's a lot to question with regard to Westbrook, but there's even more to celebrate.

5. Rajon Rondo, PG, Boston Celtics

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 15.3 points, 12.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds, 0.2 blocks, 2.7 steals, 3.8 turnovers, 45.5 percent shooting

The Celtics could be up by 20 or down by 20, it doesn't matter. Rajon Rondo never stops playing.

Rondo is the heart and soul of the Boston offense, creating open looks for the aging Big Three. He's a tenacious defender and perpetual penetrator and plays with an efficient flair to distinguish himself even further.

And as he continues to lead the Celtics to an improbable playoff run, he's making a case for himself as a top-five point guard.

4. Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 23.8 points, 3.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 2.0 steals, 2.8 turnovers, 48.6 percent shooting

Dwyane Wade has, for the most part, been phenomenal in the postseason.

Aside from being a human highlight reel, Wade is extremely adept at using the glass. He has the soft touch necessary to utilize it from all angles, resembling the tactics of a younger Tim Duncan.

Wade is also a defensive beast. He can grab rebounds and block shots and hardly gets beaten off the dribble.

All of that said, Wade has struggled to get into the flow of games numerous occasions. His free-throw shooting has been regrettable and he can be found outside of plays arguing with referees far too often.

For the Heat to go any further in the playoffs, they need Wade to be dominant, not just passive aggressive.

3. Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 19.0 points, 7.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 0.0 blocks, 1.1 steals, 3.3 turnovers, 42.6 percent shooting

Tony Parker has not received enough credit for what he is doing with the Spurs.

While both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili have been magnificent, Parker has been instrumental. He's the perfect combination of unselfish and aggressive and reads opposing defenses as good as anyone in the league.

Parker also sets and carries the tone and pace for the entire game, keeping his team in line if games ever appear out of reach.

He may never receive the same kind of recognition as Chris Paul, Deron Williams or even Russell Westbrook, but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to.

2. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 26.7 points, 3.5 assists, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.4 steals, 3.1 turnovers, 48.1 percent shooting

Kevin Durant has really outdone himself on both ends of the floor.

The NBA's top-scorer has been slashing through the paint and getting to the rim with ease, and also hitting any open jumpers that are thrown his way.

Defensively, Durant has improved by great leaps and bounds. He doesn't leave his feet on ball fakes, uses his wingspan to intercept passes and bodies up on the block.

LeBron James may be the league's MVP, but throughout the playoffs, Durant has proven why he is, at the very least, a close second.

1. LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat

Postseason Per-Game Stats: 29.3 points, 5.7 assists, 9.1 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, 2.3 steals, 3.4 turnovers, 49.3 percent shooting

The criticism surrounding LeBron James will never cease to exist, but currently he's doing everything he can to limit it.

James has played outstanding basketball all season and hasn't missed a beat in the playoffs.

His ability to not only make an impact, but excel in every facet of the game is simply astounding. And despite being the member of a superstar powerhouse, no one in the league shoulders more responsibility than James.

In the NBA, there are players you hope to stop and those you hope to simply contain. James is neither, as he cannot be slowed or intimidated by even the most complex of zone defenses or efficient of offenses.

And that's why he's not only the league's MVP, but the most talented player left in the playoffs.

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