NBA Playoffs 2011: Power Ranking Lamar Odom and Each Team's 6th Man
Basketball is only played with five guys on the court at a time, but it is sometimes the sixth man that can be the difference maker. In the playoffs, starters may struggle and the best teams have someone that can come off the bench and pick up the slack.
The best sixth men are the ones who can make the most difference in games. In the playoffs, every major contribution can reshape the landscape of the entire playoffs. Accordingly, I am ranking the best sixth men in the playoffs.
16. Willie Green, New Orleans Hornets
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The Hornets' hopes in the playoffs took a major hit with the loss of David West. Still, their deep backcourt could give the Lakers some trouble should they face off in the first round. Obviously, Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the NBA, but he is not alone. Marco Belinelli plays well at the off guard, and Jarrett Jack provides lock-down defense off the bench.
Willie Green, however, is an extremely valuable asset off the bench. He plays almost half the game (22 minutes per game) and he has the ability to score a couple buckets and kick start the team's offense. The Hornets have a steep mountain to climb and Willie Green must play well if they are to take down the champs.
15. Toney Douglas, New York Knicks
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Even though he doesn't start, Toney Douglas makes key contributions to the Knicks. He scores in double figures, controls the ball and most importantly, he feeds the ball to Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. He records three assists per contest and he is able to run the offense while spelling Chauncey Billups.
If the Knicks want to upset the Celtics, they need their point guards to hang with Rondo. Billups still can, but Douglas' play may dictate that series.
14. J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic
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He was once considered a bust, but J.J. Redick has transformed himself into a solid role player on a good team. Although the Magic are impossible to predict, Redick has been a steady player for them all season. Through all the trades and tribulations, Redick has been strong for the team, averaging a solid 10 points per game.
He can spread the defense, play a little defense and handle the ball when necessary. His great free-throw shooting keeps him on the floor late in games and he has a clutch ability to knock down a big shot.
Although Howard is the team's best player, Redick could be the difference in a first-round win or loss.
13. Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
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Wait, the Heat have more than three players? Really? Yes it is true, and Mario Chalmers may be the most important player other than the Big Three.
With the addition of Mike Bibby's ghost, Chalmers has been relegated to the bench, but his production remains positive. He improved his three-point shooting from last year and he can handle the ball.
With the stars he plays with, he needs to spread the floor. If he can handle the ball, defend the opposing team's point guard (especially Rondo) and knock down a trey here and there, Mario Chalmers could help the Heat make a serious run at a title.
12. Mike Dunleavy, Indiana Pacers
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Welcome to the playoffs! Mike Dunleavy has been a role player on a lot of bad teams, but now he will get a chance to play in the playoffs.
It's always tough to tell how a player will react to the playoffs against a No. 1 seed, but I think Dunleavy can handle it. He missed some time with a broken thumb, but he looks to be back on track heading into the playoffs.
11. Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers
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Don't look now, but the 76ers are starting to become relevant again. This year, they will probably be smoked by the Miami Heat, but there are signs of good things to come.
One of those signs is Thaddeus Young.
He has quietly built himself into one of the best sixth men in the league. He nearly averages 13 points and five rebounds, while only playing half the game. He is most effective in his supporting role, but he has shown flashes of brilliance.
Young could feast off the weak frontcourt of the Heat, and if he does so, Philadelphia stands a fighting chance. They need a big series from him, and we will have to wait and see if Young delivers.
10. Jeff Green, Boston Celtics
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Being traded from one contender to another (with completely different mentalities) has to be tough. Being called "too nice" by your new coach has to be tougher. Jeff Green went from a young, fun-having team to a seasoned, win-or-go-home team. He's a fine player, but he just doesn't fit on the Celtics.
When I watch Green play in green, I can't help but think he doesn't enjoy it. He's like the high school sophomore called up to varsity to steal minutes from the favorite senior. He's obviously talented enough, but everyone loved his predecessor and the team believed that no one could beat them with the predecessor.
No pressure, right?
Jeff Green will be a great role player on a great team, but I just don't see that happening in Boston. He could carry them to a win, but it won't feel right. He deserves to be laughing with Durant and Westbrook; instead, he needs to learn how to scowl with Garnett and Pierce. Fast.
I don't anticipate him learning quick enough for the C's, but I could be wrong. For Green's sake, I sure hope I am.
9. George Hill, San Antonio Spurs
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The Spurs are a well-oiled machine. Regardless of who's wearing the jerseys, Pop will get them to play well. Not long ago, Tony Parker was needed for that machine to run well. Now George Hill can come in and run the team just as well.
Contenders need a legitimate point guard to be successful and the Spurs have the luxury of having two. Parker is great, but Hill can come off the bench and there is almost no drop-off on the offensive end (plus a big improvement on the defensive end).
I guess that's what it means to be a part of the Spurs: It doesn't matter who does it—the job needs to get done.
8. Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
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It was tough to decide who the sixth man for the Bulls would be. I figured that the backcourt is Derrick Rose and everybody else, so I decided on Gibson over Brewer.
Gibson rebounds, plays hard and defends the other team's big men as well as any big man off any bench. He played extended minutes while Noah and Boozer were out and now he is able to fit into his perfect role, playing 20 minutes each night.
The Bulls have slowly played their way into the top slot in the East. Their depth is a major reason why (oh, and that Rose guy). Gibson leads the charge off the bench, and he is hoping to help lead the team forward to an NBA championship.
7. Shane Battier/O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
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Depending on what the Grizzlies need, Battier or Mayo can come off the bench.
If the Grizz need defense, Battier can come off the bench and lock down any opposing team's player. Tony Allen is a terrific defender and Battier can work alongside him as well as spell him for long periods of time. With two premier perimeter defenders, the Grizzlies have a luxury that not many other teams have.
If, however, Memphis needs some quick offense, O.J. Mayo will be given the call. He is not producing the same numbers that he has in the past, but he is also not getting the same amount of minutes. His percentages are down as well, but he is still a tremendous talent. He can score in bunches, and a team that is missing its star (Rudy Gay) could always use offense.
The Grizzlies have played well all year, but they may face the Spurs in the first round. With Gay, they would have a good chance for an upset. Without him, they stand a little less of a chance; however, if their starters play well, Battier and Mayo could give the Grizzlies the lift they need to shock the Spurs.
6. Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks
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For three years now, people have been waiting for the Hawks to make the leap. Now the Eastern Conference has improved and it looks like their window is beginning to close (if it already hasn't slammed shut).
If they still want to be taken seriously, they need to make a run this year. I'm not sure that will happen, but they still have a great sixth man.
Jamal Crawford could start on a lot of teams—even the Hawks—but he feels more comfortable coming off the bench. His production is the lowest it's ever been in a full season since his rookie year. Still, he can put up points in a hurry, and if the Hawks want to sneak past the Magic and take on the Bulls, they will need Crawford to be firing.
5. Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
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If it weren't for his glass knees, Brandon Roy could be in the conversation for one of the best players in the league. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
The former Washington Huskie has only played more than 75 games once and, at times, it doesn't look like he'll ever be at full strength again.
Nevertheless, he leads the Blazers into the postseason with some expectations. He comes off the bench now, but he still is the emotional leader of the team (along with Aldridge). Couple that with his ability to score 20 points on any given night, and he is one of the elite bench players in the NBA.
4. James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Maybe James Harden was a stretch to take with the No. 3 pick. So what? He fit.
That's what matters in the NBA: talent that fits. Thunder management figured that he would play well with Durant and Westbrook and Harden has not disappointed.
Granted, pieces were in place, but Harden was able to make an immediate impact for Oklahoma City. They made the playoffs and they almost upset the eventual-champion Lakers in the first round. Not too shabby for a rookie.
He plays over half of games and he can score when running on the break. He helps their chemistry and he continues to grow one of the most impressive beards in the NBA (second to only Baron Davis).
The Thunder have a new toughness with Kendrick Perkins, but Harden gives them excellent wing play whenever he's in the game. In this day and age, guard play is key, which is why Harden is so important to the Thunder's success.
3. Raymond Felton, Denver Nuggets
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Imagine conducting a high-powered offense nearly flawlessly for half the season, then being used as bait to get a star. Then, go to your new home and continue to run a high-powered offense flawlessly.
Raymond Felton has done it.
His turnovers are down, but his percentages are all up. His minutes haven't been cut too much, but he is still as effective as ever. The new Nuggets have been a surprise, and Felton is a major reason why. Any team that can sub out their point guard and have no drop-off is in good shape. Felton gives the Nuggets that luxury.
He is playing with a chip on his shoulder and a passion for the game, and Felton has the Nuggets looking like they could make a legitimate run in the playoffs.
2. Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks
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You want points in a hurry? Look no further.
Jason Terry may be the king of coming off the bench and hitting a dagger three. That's just what he does. On the court, he is an assassin.
He feels more comfortable off the bench and that has shown in his time in Dallas. He shoots a high percentage and scores on a consistent basis. The Mavericks have their superstar (Dirk Nowitzki) and their facilitator (Jason Kidd), but Terry provides them with quick production on both fronts.
If necessary, he can handle the ball, but he is more effective coming off screens and pulling up in transition. If Dallas wants to return to the Finals, they will need big plays from Nowitzki. If they want to win the Finals, they are going to need exceptional play from Terry.
Nowitzki and Terry taking over a playoff series is a scary reality to any team they have to face.
1. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers
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To me, this was a no-brainer. Odom gives the Lakers so much production off the bench. Not all of it, however, shows up in the box score. He is a leader on the team and he works so well with Kobe Bryant that the two of them are nearly on one wavelength in the playoffs.
He knows how to win. He can score quickly, rebound effectively, defend any sized player and cause matchup problems for anyone trying to contain him. The guy is a winner and he can do anything on the basketball court necessary to win.
Sometimes people knock him for being lazy, but not in the playoffs. He understands the game. When it comes to the end of the game, Odom will always do something to help his team win. That, by any stretch of the definition, is the most anyone can ask for from a sixth man.
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