2011 NBA Playoffs: Full Report Cards for the Top 25 Stars Still Alive

Here are the report cards for your favorite stars still alive in the 2011 NBA Playoffs. 

And it's safe to say that you'll be surprised with some of the grades.

Jason Kidd had a nice start to the playoffs but cooled rather rapidly. Carlos Boozer owes Chicago a refund or an explanation, and Lamar Odom will need to play at a much higher level for the rest of the postseason.

With the results ranging everywhere between the elite A and an embarrassing C-, how did your favorite stars fare?

25. Marc Gasol, C Memphis

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MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 29: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates after the Grizzlies beat the San Antonio Spurs 99-91 in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 29, 2011 in Memphis, Tenne

First Round Stats: 14.2 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 2.2 apg

Regular Season Stats: 11.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.0 apg

Did Marc and Pau switch places without telling anyone? That's the way it looked in the first round of the postseason against San Antonio.

After seeing teammate Zach Randolph finalize his contract extension in the midst of their unbelievable upset of the No. 1 seed, Gasol is likely motivated by his impending free agency to show exactly what he's worth.

With a highly anticipated matchup looming against the Thunder, Gasol will need to be a physical presence down low against Kendrick Perkins for his team to have a shot of advancing.

Grade: B+

24. Jason Kidd, PG Dallas

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 23: Gerald Wallace #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Jason Kidd #2 of the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon.

First Round Stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 6.5 apg

Regular Season Stats: 7.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 8.2 apg

Kidd looked like he turned the clock back in the first couple of games against Portland, but then he slowly faded back into his 38-year-old self.

Luckily for him, Lakers' point guards Derek Fisher and Steve Blake aren't exactly the focal points of the offense, and he shouldn't have many problems staying with them on defense.

He's still the veteran leader that the Mavericks need but whether or not his leadership is enough to propel Dallas to the Conference Finals is another issue entirely.

Grade: B-

23. Jason Terry, SG Dallas

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 28: Jason Terry #31 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after hitting a shot during the fourth quarter of Game Six of the Western Conference Quartefinals against the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA Playsoffs on April 28, 2011 at

First Round Stats: 17.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.8 apg

Regular Season Stats: 15.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.1 apg

One of the more underrated players in the game, Terry's sharpshooting abilities were critical in Dallas advancing to the second round.

Although he's not the perimeter threat he was earlier in his career, Terry is still plenty capable of filling it up from the outside, as illuminated by his going for 20-plus in three games in the inaugural round.

He's going to need to be a consistent contributor for the Mavs to open up the floor for Dirk and create havoc for the Los Angeles defense, otherwise they're going to have a very tough time in the playoffs once again.

Grade: B

22. Luol Deng, SF Chicago

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Loul Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls shoot a three-point shot against the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bu

First Round Stats: 18.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.6 apg

Regular Season Stats: 17.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 apg

Derrick Rose has taken over just about everyone's attention in Chicago, but it's doubtful that the Bulls would be in this position without Luol Deng.

He didn't need to do much offensively with Rose putting on a one-man show against the Pacers, but he was very efficient from beyond the arc (9-of-22) and shot 80 percent from the foul line. 

Deng should be able to exploit a potential matchup against Marvin Williams in the series against Atlanta and will look to come on strong as the Bulls make their title push.

Grade: B+ 

21. Joakim Noah, C Chicago

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls smiles at family in the stands near the end of a win over the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011

First Round Stats: 12.0 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.8 apg

Regular Season Stats: 11.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.2 apg

Noah's numbers were actually better in the first round than they were in the regular season, yet many were asking for him to be more assertive.

It's tough to establish his game inside when he's no better than the third best option on the offensive end, and he simply wasn't getting enough touches down low to explode for a big game.

His aggressive style underneath the rim will be critical against the Hawks, as he'll likely be matched up with an undersized Al Horford. 

Grade: B

20. Lamar Odom, SF Los Angeles

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 26: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Lamar Odom #7 in the third quarter while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2011 at

First Round Stats: 12.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.0 apg

Regular Season Stats: 14.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.0 apg

Apparently, the maturation of Lamar Odom has yet to translate to the postseason.

LO failed to step up for the Lakers with Pau Gasol struggling and didn't do much to inspire confidence in the early going. However, he did have two solid efforts to round out the series, so perhaps he's getting it together as his team prepares for Dallas.

He's going to need to average close to a double-double off of the bench while playing phenomenal defense in the second round, and he didn't do either one against New Orleans.

Grade: C+

19. Josh Smith, PF Atlanta

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a dunk against the Orlando Magic during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USE

First Round Stats: 14.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.3 apg

Regular Season Stats: 16.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.3 apg

It's incredible that J-Smoove actually regressed from his season averages considering how overwhelmingly the Hawks took down the Magic, but that's exactly what happened.

He did have to deal with a sprained left (shooting) elbow throughout the series, so perhaps that's why his aggressiveness seemed a bit down. Regardless, Smith's versatility is perhaps Atlanta's biggest asset heading forward.

He's going to have to be a beast against the bigger Chicago frontcourt for the Hawks to continue the run, and without Kirk Hinrich, his numbers should rise back up to normalcy.

Grade: C+

18. Carlos Boozer, PF Chicago

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot against the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defe

First Round Stats: 10.0 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.6 apg

Regular Season Stats: 17.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.5 apg

There's no way to sugarcoat it: Boozer looked awful in the first round.

At no point did he look like an $80 million player, and outside of his 17-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2, he inspired no confidence heading into the next round.

Now his status for the first game against Atlanta is looking murky, and if he can't step up into the spotlight alongside teammate and MVP favorite Derrick Rose, the Bulls won't make it to the Finals.

Grade: C- 

17. Al Horford, C Atlanta

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 24: Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks drives around Ryan Anderson #33 of the Orlando Magic during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 24, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NO

First Round Stats: 12.0 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 3.7 apg

Regular Season Stats: 15.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 3.5 apg

It's not surprising that Horford had his hands full in this series, but he responded rather impressively.

No, he didn't have a single outstanding game, but credit that to the Hawks' stout team play. The one flaw in Horford's game in Round 1 was his extremely low field-goal percentage (40.3), but he was integral in getting his team past the Magic.

Now, Horford will have to prove capable of going up against bigger bodies once again in the conference semis, but that's a theme he's had to deal with for most of his basketball life.

Grade: B-

16. Zach Randolph, PF Memphis

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MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 29: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates during the Grizzlies 99-91 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 29, 2011 in Memph

First Round Stats: 21.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.3 apg 

Regular Season Stats: 20.1 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.2 apg

Remember when Z-Bo was another overweight, undersized big man? Remember when he was traded for Quentin Richardson? Because he does.

Z-Bo used all of that negative attention to elevate his game to a higher level for Memphis this season, and has been the major surge behind the Grizzlies' unlikely success to this point.

He just received a huge contract extension to be one of the franchise faces of the Memphis squad, and he certainly played like one in the first round.

Grade: A- 

15. Joe Johnson, SG Atlanta

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 05: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks against the San Antonio Spurs at Philips Arena on April 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user

First Round Stats: 18.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.5 apg

Regular Season Stats: 18.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.7 apg

Joe Johnson will continue to be defined by the maximum contract extension that he received last offseason from Atlanta, but the sooner that people accept him for what he is, the better.

No, Johnson probably isn't a max player, but really, how many players that get the contracts are? Besides a Game 5 dud against Orlando where the Hawks got blown out of the water, JJ was what he has always been: a volume scorer with a low field-goal percentage who is capable of contributing in multiple categories.

He'll look to exploit a matchup against a thin crop of talent at the shooting guard spot for Chicago, and he may post his best numbers in quite some time if he gets the right shots off.

Grade: B- 

14. Chris Bosh, PF Miami

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 21: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat shoots a free throw as Philadelphia 76ersfans try and distract him during the second half of game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Wells Fargo Center on April 21, 2011 in Philade

First Round Stats: 19.9 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 0.8 apg

Regular Season Stats: 18.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.0 apg

Although the numbers might not show it, CB4 actually lived up to his inflated contract in the first round.

He went for more than 20/10 in three of the five contests between Miami and Philadelphia and gave the team an inside presence when they hadn't had one all season. More importantly, he wasn't afraid to be aggressive and play his game.

Bosh will need to continue to set himself up for success for Miami to keep rolling rather than just gravitating toward the role of third fiddle.

Grade: B+

13. Andrew Bynum, C Los Angeles

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 26: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to shoot over Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets in the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2011 at

First Round Stats: 15.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 0.7 apg

Regular Season Stats: 11.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.4 apg

Andrew Bynum looked like a man among boys in the first-round series against New Orleans.

Emeka Okafor could not contain him, and he made Pau Gasol's inability to contribute in his normal manner an afterthought for most fans. Yet for some reason, people still seem to be concerned about his chronic knee woes.

He might play with a rather big brace, but if his effort in the first round is illustrative of how he's going to play as the playoffs move forward. Other teams should really be scared.

Grade: A

12. Ray Allen, SG Boston

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics directs the offense against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NO

First Round Stats: 22.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.3 apg

Regular Season Stats: 16.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg

Allen was the most stable contributor of the Big Four in the regular season, so it shouldn't be surprising that he caught fire in Round 1.

He shot the lights out against the New York Knicks, and while the task for him grows taller against the Heat and Dwyane Wade, it's likely not insurmountable for the prolific veteran.

Mr. Shuttlesworth will need to continue to fire on all cylinders for the C's to slide past Miami, but that requires he gets enough of his own shot attempts.

Grade: A- 

11. Kevin Garnett, PF Boston

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Celtics

First Round Stats: 15.5 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 3.5 apg

Regular Season Stats: 14.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.4 apg

KG logged double-digit rebounds in every one of the four games against New York but saved his strongest effort for the clincher with 26 points and 10 boards.

Make no mistake about it: Garnett looked good. He was focused, locked in and ready to bring it in the playoffs. His intensity was a critical factor in Boston's impressive sweep.

But if Garnett slides even in the slightest fashion, the Celtics are going to be in very, very big trouble. "All About 18" starts and stops with Garnett.

Grade: A- 

10. Pau Gasol, PF Los Angeles

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 28: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during play against the New Orleans Hornets in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2011 at New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Lou

First Round Stats: 13.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg

Regular Season Stats: 18.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 3.3 apg

Well, at least his assists were slightly up in Round 1.

Gasol's inability to find his game was the biggest reason that the Lakers' series against the Hornets went to six games. Gasol played better as series moved forward, but he never really played great like his team needs him to consistently.

If Kobe's sidekick can't find his regular season form, the Lakers might be in trouble. But if he looks like the soft version of himself that Kevin Garnett ate alive in 2008, it's going to be even worse.

He'll have his hands full with Dirk Nowitzki.

Grade: C 

9. Paul Pierce, SF Boston

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER:

First Round Stats: 22.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 apg

Regular Season Stats: 18.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.2 apg

Another member of the Celtics who stepped it up a notch, Pierce did his usual damage against New York with a 38-point explosion thrown in the middle.

But just 14 free-throw attempts in four games is indicative of settling for too many jumpers. And outside of Game 3 when he went off for his big night, he was just 19-of-52 from the floor in the other three games.

A lot of people say that stats can often lie, and this is a classic case of that. Can the real Paul Pierce please stand up? The C's don't stand a chance without him.

Grade: C+

8. Rajon Rondo, PG Boston

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 24: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York Ci

First Round Stats: 19.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 12.0 apg

Regular Season Stats: 10.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 11.2 apg

The good version of Rajon Rondo decided to show up against the Knicks. In a big way.

The extraordinarily talented point guard went off for a near triple-double in game 1 (10, 9, 9), hit 30 points in Game 2, went ballistic in Game 3 with 15 points, 11 boards and 20 assists and impressed in Game 4 with 21 points and 12 dimes.

Not impressive enough? He also shot a cool 31-of-62 from the field and recorded 48 total assists compared to just 15 turnovers.

Grade: A

7. Russell Westbrook, PG Oklahoma City

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball against Raymond Felton #20 of the Denver Nuggets and Nene Hilario #31 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Pl

First Round Stats: 23.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 6.2 apg

Regular Season Stats: 21.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 8.2 apg

Westbrook took on more of a scorer's role against the Nuggets in the first round for his Thunder team.

The blossoming point guard seemingly never saw a shot he didn't like, as he jacked up 101 of them in the five-game set. But the alarming thing about that is the fact that he hit just 40 of them, good for a pathetic 39.6 percent.

Even worse was the fact that he managed just 31 assists compared to a whopping 20 turnovers. The Thunder didn't rise to an elite team in the Western Conference with Westbrook shouldering the offensive load, but rather facilitating the execution.

He needs to remember that.

Grade: B

6. Dirk Nowitzki, PF Dallas

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 28: Dirk Nowitski #41 of the Dallas Mavericks looks over at an official during the fourth quarter of Game Six of the Western Conference Quartefinals against the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2011 NBA Playsoffs on April 28, 2011 at the

First Round Stats: 27.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.0 apg

Regular Season Stats: 23,0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.6 apg

Is this finally the year that the Mavs make a legitimate postseason run?

After many incorrectly predicted that the Blazers would knock Dallas out early once again, Dirk showed the world why they shouldn't so readily bet against him. He looked every bit like the MVP-caliber player that he is, and Nowitzki led the charge to a series victory. 

Now he'll have to prove that the Mavs aren't just first-round wonders, as he and his teammates attempt to find a way to combat the size of the two-time defending world champs. 

Grade: A

5. Derrick Rose, PG Chicago

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a shot against Tyler Hansbrough #50 of the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011 in Chic

First Round Stats: 27.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.2 apg

Regular Season Stats: 25.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 7.7 apg

Rose has the MVP award all but sewn up, and his heroic play in Round 1 just served to re-enforce the popular consensus.

Although he wasn't the most efficient player against the Pacers as he shot at a lower percentage than Russell Westbrook, the only game the Bulls didn't win in the series was the one where he scored less than 20 points.

As the Memphis product goes, so do his Bulls, and the most-hyped baller in the Windy City since Michael Jordan has the entire state of Illinois on their toes.

Grade: B+ 

4. Dwyane Wade, SG Miami

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MIAMI, FL - APRIL 27: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on during game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena on April 27, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER:

First Round Stats: 22.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.2 apg

Regular Season Stats: 25.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.6 apg

Wade got off to a slow start in the first two games of the series against the Sixers, but responded marvelously in the last three contests.

There is not a single player more important to Miami's sustained success than Wade, and he will have to be great for his team to enjoy success. What does that mean? Stop settling for jump shots and continue to drive the ball to the rim.

Flash was an impressive 31-of-37 from the foul line, and that number of attempts will have to increase even more for the Heat to blow by the Celtics. 

Grade: B+

3. Kevin Durant, SF Oklahoma City

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 27: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to the bench after hitting a key three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2011

First Round Stats: 32.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.4 apg

Regular Season Stats: 27.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.7 apg

Can someone please explain to me why Kevin Durant doesn't get more touches on the offensive end?

Scott Brooks needs to call plays to get the rock into his best player's hands, period. These are the playoffs, and Durant is a full-fledged superstar. He shot the lights out from beyond the arc (16-of-37) and attempted 57 free throws in five games.

Durant needs to be the leading scorer in every single one of Oklahoma City's remaining games, and if they want to advance past the second round, that should be the number one strategy moving forward.

Grade: A- 

2. LeBron James, SF Miami

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MIAMI, FL - APRIL 27: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks on during game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena on April 27, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USE

First Round Stats: 24.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 6.2 apg

Regular Season Stats: 26.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 7.0 apg

People are used to LeBron taking over the brunt of the scoring load, but that's simply not what James has to do for this team to be at its best.

James logged double-digit rebounds three times, and if a power forward or center put up the numbers that he did, we'd be talking about how he's the life of the franchise (Zach Randolph, anyone?).

Throw in those six assists per contest and we're talking about a very complete player. He'll need to be better from deep (just 4-of-16 in Round 1), but that's a rather easy adjustment. At least it should be.

He could garner an A, but he's LeBron, so he should be held to a higher standard. 

Grade: A-

1. Kobe Bryant, SG Los Angeles

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 28: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers is introduced before a game against the New Orleans Hornets in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2011 at New Orleans Arena in New O

First Round Stats: 22.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.8 apg

Regular Season Stats: 25.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg

Despite all of the hoopla that centered around Kobe's ankle, Bryant didn't seem to be hampered in his style of play in Round 1.

While the days of Kobe as a nightly 30-plus scorer are behind him, that's not the player that he needs to be for the Lakers to enjoy success. In fact, Kobe scored 34 in the first game against the Hornets and Los Angeles lost by nine points. 

As long as Bryant can remain efficient from the floor and score at the right times, the Lakers should be able to keep it rolling and continue their usual style of play.

Grade: B+