Blake Griffin, Deron Williams and the Best Players to Miss the NBA Playoffs

Every year there's a handful of stars whose fall would be better spent on the hardwood than holidaying in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately 30 doesn't go into 16 and fans don't get to see these human highlight reels light up the court in the postseason.

For those like Blake Griffin and Deron Williams, time is on their side.

For others, like Steve Nash, the years are running thin on a final championship run.

Without further ado, here are the five best players who didn't feature in the 2011 postseason.

5. Steve Nash

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 13: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center on April 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usi

Time is running out for the 37-year-old Canadian.

It would be a crying shame if Nash didn't at least get one final run at an NBA championship.

He's been too good a player for too long not to deserve the chance.

And to say he's still contributing would be an understatement.

Nash still led the league in assists through the regular season, even without Amar'e Stoudemire to finish above the rim.

Don't forget this is a guy who's dropped 17.3 points per game on opponents through 118 postseason appearances.

This was just the second time in the last 11 years that Nash hasn't featured in the playoffs.

4. Kevin Love

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on March 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this P

Love is one of only three active All-Stars to not feature in the postseason (Yao Ming excluded).

I'd have him higher on this list if not for the Timberwolves appalling season record.

You can only read so much into numbers produced on an awful team.

Still, Love's league-leading 15.2 rebounds per game could sure have come in handy for a postseason contender.

3. Andrew Bogut

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MIAMI, FL - APRIL 06: Andrew Bogut #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks passes away from Eric Dampier #25 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on April 6, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

This time last year Bogut was named center to the All-NBA third team.

The Bucks were a predominantly young team and still took Atlanta to seven games without the injured Bogut.

A fit and healthy Bogut can go head-to-head with the league's best big men and is a reliable linchpin to run a half-court offense through.

One of the best defenders in the league, the Australian still led the league in blocks per game, despite his horrific injury run.

2. Blake Griffin

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 09: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers takes a shot in the second half against the Boston Celtics on March 9, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Boston Celtics 108-103. NOTE

Blake Griffin finishing above the rim is a sure way to keep the most neutral of fans interested during the postseason.

For all the excitement, the Clippers haven't been to the playoffs since 2005-06.

And they still feel 14 games short of the postseason in 2010-11.

We can only hope the Clippers can find a way to build a team around the league's human highlight reel.

1. Deron Williams

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Deron Williams of the Nets looks on during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

D-Will is simply too good to miss out on the postseason action.

The previous four seasons, Williams started 44 playoffs games with the Jazz for 21.1 points and 9.6 dimes a night.

Unless he gets out of New Jersey, it's hard to see him returning to the postseason action anytime soon.

And those pina coladas couldn't taste anywhere near as good as playoffs success.