The NBA Playoffs bracket is set and the league is in full swing after an long wait due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The league has been out of the game for so long, the teams are jockeying to get as many reps as possible and allow all of their players to get up to speed and back into rhythm of the game.
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This is an unusual situation that the NBA finds themselves in. Well, that’s true for just about anyone, but to watch a behemoth sports league try to return in the face of the coronavirus is interesting enough by itself. What will also be of interest is seeing which players have stayed focus and in shape during the four month hiatus.
NBA players primed for playoff
With some players electing to not go into the “bubble,” that presents a unique opportunity for player to shine and excel. Then there are the superstars on contending teams looking to continue where they left off. Here’s our lisrt of players primed to take advantage of the ever-evolving situation in this year’s NBA Playoffs.
Alex Caruso, Los Angeles Lakers Alex Caruso played in spurts before the NBA’s break, but whenever he got the nod, he showed there is quality in him. In the meager 17.8 minutes of average game time he had, he averaged 5.4 points and 1.8 assists. After Rajon Rondo picking up a thumb injury and Avery Bradley opting out, Caruso will get to play a more proactive role in the LA Lakers campaign.
Troy Brown Jr., Washington Wizards Even though Troy Brown Jr. won’t be in the playoffs, we wanted to show him some love. Troy was enjoying a good run of form during the pre-Covid stage. The Oregon-born was getting 24.9 minutes on average and was making an impact almost every time he came off the bench. With Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans out of the picture, Brown Jr. is expected to get more first team action. He averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 points per game. He also boasts an impressive 5.3 rebound average.
Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder Lu Dort has flourished with the extended game time he got in absence of Andre Roberson and Dennis Schroder. The Arizona man has averaged 6.2 points a game this season. However, before you put your money on Lu Dort, you need to be wary of the fact that Roberson is expected to return from injury soon after being sidelined for 2 years with a tendon injury.
George Hill, Milwaukee Bucks Hill was nearly doubling his 2018/19 shooting average before the season got interrupted. His 48% shooting ratio from 3-point range, was way over his career average of 38.5% and his last season average of 28%. Eric Bledsoe and Pat Connaughton are out of contention at the moment, as both of them contracted coronavirus. So, the Milwaukee veteran should get a chance to build on his incredible pre-hiatus form.
Gary Trent Jr., Portland Trail Blazers Son of former NBA player, Gary Trent, Gary Trent Jr. had shown glimpses of his potential before the break when he went on a rampaging run of form and posted 20 or more points against Miami, Indiana, and Orlando in consecutive fixtures. He has averaged 7.7 points and 20 minutes this campaign, but he will have more game time as Trevor Ariza decided to opt out.
Tyler Johnson, Brooklyn Nets Tyler Johnson is a recent addition in the Brooklyn Nets setup but the 6’4’’ guard didn’t have to wait long for a starting berth. There are a handful of absentees in the Nets squad after the restart, so a spot for Johnson is wide open. Having posted double digit averages in each of his last three seasons, can he make it a fourth with his new team?
Caris LaVert, Brooklyn Nets The only chance the Brooklyn Nets have against the Toronto Raptors in the post season is if Caris LeVert steps up. Without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan, they must lean on LeVert’s growing and impressive offensive skills. Look for 6’6 slithery guard to average close to 30 points for the Nets, and he may need to have to average 35-37 ppg for the Nets to put a scare in the confident Raptors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks As usual, Antetokounmpo had been the headliner in the Milwaukee Bucks team before the March 11 pause. The Greek superstar was in phenomenal form and was very much in his way to secure his second MVP award. Being on the bubble, we expect more brilliance from Antetokounmpo as the season progresses.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Already calling it a “revenge season,” James continues to expand his legacy by putting in excellent performances on the court, weeks in, weeks out. After 16 seasons of excellence, LeBron James has escalated himself to such a level that anything below the championship is considered a failure. If he wins the title with LA Lakers, it would be the third franchise that would win the NBA with the “LeBron charisma”. The 35-year-old has been performing at MVP level for the Lakers, but will it be enough? We will have to wait and see.
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard is one of the distinguished group of players who could rival the likes of LeBron and Giannis for the MVP mantle. The Clippers might be cautious with their prized possession at the start of the restart phase, but we will get to see more of Kawhi Leonard when the dust settles.