2011 NBA Playoffs: Top 11 Most Dangerous Players
The 2011 NBA Playoffs are among us, and personally, I cannot wait to watch every game I can.
No doubt, many if not all of these series features a go to guy, a run-killer, a veteran winner, an efficient scorer, or whatever else. These people change the course of a game, and can turn a ten point less-then-five-minutes-to-go fourth quarter deficit into a five point win faster than you can pick up your jaw from the floor. These are the truly dangerous men.
There are many things that can categorize someone as "dangerous." While superstar status helps, clutch performance is key as well as shooting efficiency, ability to create an effective possession, etc.
The following players most of you should know. However, since lists are being made back and forth about this subject (though most of those fall into the "scoring threat" genre), I will add a few players that you may scratch your head at. I call those the sleeper hits waiting to happen. Those are the people that you fear even if you are sure you can shut down the rest of the team easily.
That said, let's begin. The top 11 dangerous players in the 2011 NBA Playoffs.
Honorable Mentions
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Chris Bosh: Although arguably the best third scoring option in the NBA, he's not the person that will have the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. Not that this is what puts you on the list, but I also cite his lack of recent playoff experience.
Rajon Rondo: A floor general, Rondo's offense is too suspect. He is one of the top defensive point guards in the league, but last time he went up against Derrick Rose, he got torched. Though there was one game where he guarded LeBron extremely effectively, so I would never count him out.
Luol Deng: The one who holds the Bulls together supposedly, he is often called upon to guard the opposing team's best scorer. His improved three point shot always can come in handy when Rose draws a clogged lane late in a game.
Manu Ginobili: Best player on one of the best teams doesn't make you especially dangerous. However, he is a Playoff veteran, so I can't say many things negative about him. I will say, though, that the Spurs are the definition of exemplary teamwork, so maybe this takes away from his killer factor.
Kendrick Perkins: I really, really wanted to put Perkins on this list. Maybe I should have, but he just isn't an offensive beast like he is a defensive beast. Who else in this league, besides Bynum, can you depend to contain Dwight Howard? That alone almost made him number 11. He is the re-incarnation of Kevin Garnett, and the Celtics will rue the day they sent him away. What an idiotic trade.
Others: Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Gerald Wallace (maybe a stretch), Russell Westbrook (give him another year and I guarantee he'll be on the top five of this list), Andre Igoudala, Pau Gasol and Al Horford.
Also, I know I missed a lot of players you think should be an HM or on the list in general. Well, if that's the case, say something. Challenge my logic in the comments section below.
11. Zach Randolph
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I guess when you sleep on a hungry bear, you get mauled. Viciously. Unless he's a care bear.
But Zach Randolph is not a care bear. Zach is just a beast in the interior, the complete opposite of Bosh's finesse style of play. His propensity for procuring offensive rebounds and converting them into points is something that is hard to come by even among tall players, and will surely keep the likes of the Spurs on their toes.
Also of note, for the season, Randolph has averaged 23 points and 14.8 boards versus the Spurs. Tim Duncan is a good defender, but I am not so sure how he matches up against this sort of production.
Randolph is not the fastest, strongest, nor does he have any real playoff experience, but his sub-veteran status and role as the "go-to-guy" after the fall of Rudy Gay makes him a force to be reckoned with. If he were a few years younger, he'd be even higher, but it's not like nine years in the league turns you into an old man.
10. Three Point Shooters
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Yes, I am aware that this is related to a collection of players, and not a singular player. However, I did this so I would not undermine the importance of a three-point sniper.
A little history lesson: in the past, the true king of basketball, Michael Jordan, twice relied on a shooter to close a playoff game out despite his reputation as the most revered clutch shooter in history. Their names? Steve Kerr and John Paxton. Granted, their shots were wide open, but isn't it nice to have a killer from beyond the arc to take the pressure off of your shoulders from time to time?
Players in the 2011 Playoffs like this include Kyle Korver, James Jones, Ray Allen, every shooter on the Magic whose name is not Dwight Howard (joke, but plenty of them can hit from beyond the arc consistently), Matt Bonner, Richard Jefferson, and Mike Bibby when he wakes up.
Undoubtedly, there are some I missed. Add to this list in the comments section if you so wish.
9. LaMarcus Aldridge
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Kind of hard to make a case for this guy over Randolph, but I have to say, his long range jumper comes in handy when the game is on the line.
A darkhorse MVP candidate, Aldridge provides work-a-holic minutes, great rebounding, and a solid defensive presence. The reason I put him above Randolph is because he pairs well with Gerald Wallace, who draws attention away from Aldridge, leaving him open from his sweet spot jumper near the top of the key.
Things going against him include a lack of playoff experience and...wait, that's it. On the Trailblazers, he is seen with the ball in his hands sometimes for a late game situation. He isn't what I would call a closer, but he can provide a dagger every now and again. I know, since I've watched him do it against the Bulls this year.
I know there's going to be a lot of you that think he should be number 11, or even an honorable mention at best, but keep in mind that this is one man's opinion.
8. Chris Paul
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In favor of Derrick Rose, Chris Paul has been shunned by the media, dismissed and forgotten. However, Chris Paul is still a force to be reckoned with, and he will be a snake in the grass for any team that dares to take him lightly.
Sure, his team is only the seventh seed, and are missing one of their top player in David West, but if anyone can will the Hornets to win, it is Chris Paul.
He doesn't score like he used to, but that means little. Take note of his playoff averages: 21 points, 11 assists. Nuff said.
Even with the injuries, he is still one of the fastest men on the court, and when needed, he will always dish out an important dime or make a crucial jumper to keep his team afloat. I don't suspect NOLA will last long, but always count on this man to provide a spark and chip away at big deficits.
7. Kevin Durant
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The day Kobe is considered a jalopy, this man will be ready to take the nickname of "Black Mamba," or maybe someone will think of an original alibi. Oh wait, Durantula. Nevermind.
Don't discredit him because he is a pseudo-volume shooter. He can pick apart a defense at will because of his ability to shoot from any point on the floor, and his length permits him to defend even the most skilled of players. Many refer to his game against LeBron as a signature performance, but I always like to rebut that they should watch the rest of his games to be truly enamored. By the way, being the league's leading scorer doesn't hurt his danger factor.
The emergence of the soon-to-be top 3 point guard in Russell Westbrook has taken away from Durant's production, but I think this will ultimately make him a better player since he will not have to shoulder the scoring load individually.
He can drive, rebound, pass, shoot, defend...am I missing something? If he plays against your team, be prepared for him to light you up. Not to mention that, as a young superstar, he has a lot to prove, and will be hungry for his first playoff series win.
6. Dirk Nowitzki
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One of the most decorated playoff contenders on this list, Dirk Nowitzki is still likely to knock an opponent out of the tournament.
Though not the fastest player, his dead aim accuracy, rebounding bravado, and free-throw percentage makes him a potent threat for every situation. He does not lag off for the playoffs, either. Throughout his playoff career, he has averaged 25.6 ppg and 10.9 rpg.
Something that is often alluded to this year for Dirk is the Maverick's futility when he is not on the court. As long as he stays healthy, expect to see this perennial All-Star make it close to achieving the glory he has never attained.
5. Dwyane Wade
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The Flash's injuries haven't ran him out of the building yet.
Remember when he won the Finals MVP? Yes, Dwyane Wade has already proven himself to not only be a winner, but a go to guy on a team full of them. During the games I watched, Wade seemed to have the ball in his hands more than his running buddy LeBron, meaning that offensive schemes are either written for his slashing ability, or his teammates just trust him a lot more with the ball.
Wade is still a fierce competitor, and always puts his body on the line when a game demands him to do so. His playoff experience is not what I would call deep, but he has a ring, something most people on this list can't say that they have.
Any team that faces him, with Miami's top tier athletic level, will have problems with this guy, and it usually starts before he burns you to the rim.
4. Derrick Rose
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I wanted to put the future MVP higher on my list, but even having him at number four makes me look like a fanboy, so I figure this is a good middle ground.
Why is he not lower, you might ask? Well, he is on the number one team in the East, for one. Why are they number one? Because of his stellar development as a player and a leader. Yes, the Bulls have acquired a number of pieces that have all contributed to their current success, but there is no denying that the accelerated play of Rose propelled them to the top. At times, he can be unstoppable. Not to mention, he is the template of a clutch player.
Why is he not higher? He has never won a playoff series, his shooting percentage has gotten worse since last year, and he just takes a number of questionable shots. And he absolutely loves his three-pointer, which is more Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in terms of efficiency. His reputation as a volume shooter takes away from his level of validity as a true danger, but this is not to say he won't discombobulate his opponents.
Rose has a very long way to go before he usurps the title of "best in the NBA" from Kobe or LeBron (if it even happens), and because of this, there is no way that he is the more dangerous than those listed above him. But like Durantula, Rose has a chip of his shoulder and the sting of two early exits from the playoffs. He is ready to forge his legacy, and is ready to do it against the teams that are home to proven veterans.
3. Dwight Howard
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He goes by the nickname 'Superman,' but I think that's undermining his prowess. I'll try to be brief with him, because there's absolutely too much to look at when considering the reasons why he is a dangerous performer.
His defense is legendary to say the least. His offensive has vastly improved over the past year, and with his league leading attempts from the charity stripe, I expect he will start to knock those down at more than a 60% clip in the Playoffs. His rebounding is near tops, his physicality is unparalleled, and...he just can't be stopped. Oh, and by the way, when people are busy doubling him, his snipers take care of business.
The only thing working against him is the fact he can't be counted on late in a game. The Hack-a-Howard method has proven to be effective, and until he can improve his free throw shooting, will always be the blemish on his career and especially in the 2011 Playoffs.
If he hit 90% from the line, we have an MVP and truly legit Finals contender. Other teams better hope his hands still get in the way of hitting a decent percentage of free-throws.
2. LeBron James
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He can do everything on the court. Everything.
There's no need to go into detail about this man. If he had rings right now, he would have been bumped up a spot. But, as it is, there is one man he simply hasn't showed up.
Regardless, his individual talents are numerous, and a game plan against his teams always involves trying to lock him down. Sad thing is, they never work. I don't think you can even minimize his damage. There's just nothing you can do against him.
Here are his career playoff averages: 29.3 ppg, 7.3 apg, 8.4 rpg. Sick.
I don't care what people say about his past. That was then, this is now. And you better believe that his hunger level for a championship is as high as the sky, even more so than Rose and Durant combined. He is the second to last person I would ever want to square off against when a national title is up for grabs...
1. Kobe Bryant
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...because there can only be one. And technically, there only is one pure and true dangerous player in the playoffs right now.
He doesn't hunger because that implies he has never fed himself. Kobe has five rings, more rings than everyone else on this list combined. The most intriguing thing is that he is probably going to get another one.
It doesn't matter the seed that his teams ends up with. They could be the eigth seed and still be the favorites.
What makes him so special is that he has beaten pretty much everyone, like Jordan. In order to be the champ, you have to beat the champ, and Kobe has defeated everyone he has ever faced in a Finals bout. Yes, even the Celtics. How can we forget that he beat them last year after they won a few years back? Do you know how many superstars he has sent home? The proverbial torch was passed to him by numerous players, and he will be stingy towards relinquishing those items any time soon.
Some say he's getting old. This is true, but he's still here averaging outrageous numbers. He is a wise player and a staunch defender, and just because he doesn't hunger in the traditional "young'n" sense doesn't mean the Mamba won't bite to kill.
LeBron might be the best the NBA has to offer, but Kobe is the true winner. He knows what it takes to achieve victory, and has done it five times. Say what you want about him needing a big man. Then, remember that there has never been a Finals team that won because of a single player. Name one, I challenge you. Say Jordan, and then I say Pippen.
Kobe is the most dangerous man in the playoffs. End of story.
