NBA Playoffs 2013: Players with Most to Prove as Second Round Approaches

The 2013 NBA playoffs started rather slowly, but the recent action has been some of the best we've seen all season. From triple overtimes and Michael Jordan-esque performances to buzzer-beating bank shots, we've seen it all.

As the Conference Semifinals approach, however, numerous players have something to prove as their season approaches an end or a franchise-altering new beginning.

There are countless NBA ballers that haven't quite lived up to the expectations set out for them during the 2013 NBA playoffs. In that same breath, there are just as many players that have played well, but must now raise their game due to injuries sustained by their teammates.

Regardless of what their story may be, it's their time to shine or face the consequences.

Under the bright lights of the NBA playoffs, it's hardly a rarity to see teams or players collapse due to inexperience and pressure. In order to be considered one of the true stars in this league, however, each and every player must overcome the odds and lead their team.

It's time to put up or go home.

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony has been magnificent thus far, leading the New York Knicks to a 3-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics. He's averaging 32.0 points per game and continues to play the part of the 2013 NBA scoring champion.

It's now time for 'Melo to close out the series and get the proverbial monkey off both his and the Knicks' respective backs.

The Knicks deserve to be proud of a 3-0 series lead, but they haven't won a postseason series since 2000. Until they win a fourth game over the Celtics and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, that 3-0 series lead is absolutely meaningless.

It's on 'Melo to carry them there.

Anthony has made it past the first round in just one of his 10 years in the NBA. For perspective, he's made it to the playoffs in every single one of those seasons.

How better for Carmelo Anthony to prove himself than to close out Boston with teammate J.R. Smith suspended for Game 4?

Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were dealt a major blow when Russell Westbrook was lost for the remainder of the season due to a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. The instant response has been that Kevin Durant must now step up and prove he can lead OKC on his own.

The truth of the matter is, no Thunder player is under more pressure as a result of this injury than Serge Ibaka.

Ibaka is widely believed to be one of the best interior defenders in the league, as he's led the league in blocks for two consecutive seasons. During the 2012-13 season, however, it's been Ibaka's offense that has drawn attention.

The 23-year-old power forward averaged a career high 13.2 points per game during the regular season—a full 4.1 points higher than the year prior.

The most significant development in Ibaka's game has been his jump shooting, as he converted 49.2 percent from mid-range and 35.1 percent from beyond the arc. In order for the Thunder to advance to the NBA Finals, he'll need to do that on a higher volume of shots.

Durant may be a three-time scoring champion, but it's now on Ibaka to prove his chops as an all-around star.

If Ibaka is going to help lead the Thunder to the NBA Finals, he'll need to score in the 20-point-per-game range and grab roughly 10 rebounds a night. While this may sound improbable, Ibaka is averaging 15.3 points and 9.7 rebounds through three playoff games.

If we're to label Ibaka an All-Star or a future All-NBA selection, the 2013 NBA playoffs present the perfect stage for a coming out party.

Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

In January of 2013, Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith was quoted as saying that he deserves a max contract (via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). With Smith set to become a free agent this summer, it's time that he plays at the level necessary to warrant such a deal.

The numbers say he deserves it—does his quality of play?

Smith is coming off a season in which he averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals in 35.3 minutes. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Smith was the only player in the NBA to average at least 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steal simultaneously.

The only one.

With that being said, Smith also averaged 3.0 turnovers per game and shot 30.3 percent from three-point range on an average of 2.6 attempts. That tied Smith for the second-most turnovers per game by a small forward and the most from a power forward.

In case you aren't seeing what we're getting at, every elite statistic that Smith has posted is countered by a not-so-favorable number.

Beyond the statistics, however, is the fact that this is Smith's first year as the No. 1 option for an NBA franchise. With that burden of responsibility, J-Smoove led the Hawks to a rather mediocre record of 44-38.

Reaching the playoffs is an impressive feat, but competing for a title is what defines a superstar and earns a max contract.

Smith helped lead a dominant Game 3 victory, which suggests that he can lead Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. If he does, then Smith will make the statement necessary to receive a max contract.

If the Hawks go out in the first round, however, the money may be tougher to come by.