The NBA playoffs represent the pinnacle of competition for dominant teams and rising contenders alike. This postseason carries significant weight for numerous players and coaches, influencing their careers well into the future.
The outcomes of these playoffs will heavily impact team strategies during the offseason and the subsequent season. A past example includes the Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers after their 2024 NBA Finals appearance, demonstrating how playoff runs can trigger major roster decisions.
Therefore, it`s crucial to monitor key individuals throughout the playoffs. For players like Doncic, a strong postseason performance is essential to prove their worth. For veterans and emerging talents, substantial contracts are at stake. And for several coaches, their jobs may depend on playoff success.
As we approach the play-in tournament and the playoffs, let`s examine 25 prominent figures and the potential consequences of this postseason on their careers.
Stars with Something to Prove
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch for: The Mavericks` decision to trade a superstar like Doncic was unprecedented, especially after he led them to the Finals. They justified this by suggesting Anthony Davis offered a better championship opportunity. Doncic`s playoff journey is essentially a quest for vindication.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
What to watch for: While the Pacers reached the 2024 Eastern Conference finals, Haliburton`s performance was somewhat diminished post-hamstring injury, averaging less than his regular season stats. This season, he`s been surging, especially post-All-Star break, indicating he`s ready to lead in the playoffs.
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
What to watch for: Leonard appears healthy and has been performing exceptionally since the All-Star break. However, injuries have plagued his playoff runs. He needs to prove he can remain healthy and lead the Clippers deep into the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch for: Mitchell`s playoff scoring average is among the all-time greats, yet he hasn`t advanced past the second round. With a strong team and top seed, this is his opportunity to demonstrate his ability to lead a deep playoff run.
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
What to watch for: Towns` addition boosted the Knicks` offense, but their defense against top teams has been a concern. After playing power forward for the Timberwolves, he must anchor a solid playoff defense at center for the Knicks.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
What to watch for: The Hawks improved despite roster changes, but Young`s performance dipped this season. For Atlanta to succeed in the play-in and first round, they need the impactful Young who led them to the 2021 conference finals.
Rising Stars Aiming for the Next Step
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
What to watch for: Cunningham`s breakout season has been a major storyline, leading the Pistons back to the playoffs. He faces his first postseason challenge against the Knicks.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
What to watch for: The Cavaliers` faith in the Garland-Mitchell backcourt paid off with a top seed. However, Garland faces tougher defensive matchups in the playoffs, particularly against teams like Boston. He needs to be a significant offensive threat.
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch for: Injury slowed Holmgren`s season, but he`s crucial for the Thunder`s Finals aspirations. His offense has been picking up recently, making him a vital secondary option when defenses focus on Gilgeous-Alexander.
Chet Holmgren`s health will be key to the Thunder`s playoff success.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
What to watch for: The playoffs could be Thompson`s breakout moment. His all-around game as a starter is impressive. Coach Udoka`s strategy for using Thompson and Brooks will be important for the Rockets` playoff run.
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
What to watch for: Wagner was inconsistent in last year`s playoffs. He needs to maintain his improved regular-season performance to help Orlando compete effectively.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
What to watch for: Williams needs to elevate his performance from last year`s playoffs. His All-Star level play this season suggests he`s ready for a stronger playoff contribution.
Pivotal Veterans Who Could Define a Deep Run
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
What to watch for: Brown has already proven himself in the playoffs, winning Finals MVP in 2024. The main concern is his knee health, which could impact his performance.
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
What to watch for: Green`s move to center has revitalized the Warriors. His defensive versatility is key to their playoff contention, although his rim protection isn`t what it once was.
Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks
What to watch for: The Bucks acquired Kuzma hoping for an upgrade. They need him to elevate his scoring, especially with Lillard`s health concerns, to advance in the playoffs.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
What to watch for: Murray has been a playoff standout in the past. His performance is crucial for the Nuggets` success. His consistency and health will be key factors.
Money on the Line for These Key Players
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
What to watch for: Giddey, a restricted free agent, has been playing exceptionally well recently. He needs to prove his improved play translates to the playoffs to secure a lucrative contract.
James Harden, LA Clippers
What to watch for: Harden has a player option and a strong postseason can increase his leverage for a better contract. His performance this season has already exceeded expectations.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
What to watch for: Kuminga`s contract year hasn`t gone as planned. He needs to find opportunities in the playoffs to showcase his value despite reduced playing time.
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
What to watch for: Randle has a player option decision coming up. A strong playoff run with the Timberwolves could offset his slightly reduced stats and previous playoff shooting struggles.
Coaches at the Center of Attention
David Adelman, Denver Nuggets
What to watch for: Adelman is in a uniquely inexperienced position as head coach entering the playoffs after Malone`s unexpected dismissal. His performance with a championship-contending team will be closely watched.
Tuomas Iisalo, Memphis Grizzlies
What to watch for: Iisalo is also inexperienced, having taken over late in the season. The play-in tournament will be his first taste of the NBA postseason after a European coaching career.
Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
What to watch for: Mazzulla`s coaching philosophy will be under scrutiny. The Celtics` heavy reliance on 3-pointers means their playoff success will be heavily judged based on this style.
JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers
What to watch for: Redick, in his first full season, faces the challenge of leading a team with James and Doncic through the playoffs. His ability to manage a playoff run and make adjustments will be tested.
JJ Redick has led the Lakers to a strong position in the Western Conference in his first year as coach.
Ime Udoka, Houston Rockets
What to watch for: Udoka has transformed the Rockets into a top defense quickly. Another deep playoff run would solidify his reputation as a top NBA coach, especially guiding a team with many playoff debutants.
