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Elements of success
Kobe and LeBron of course will be the stars of these Playoffs. But those guys who make the little difference in a title run are not always the ones you expect …
When you’re talking about the NBA Playoffs, a superstar can make all the difference. If one of the absolute giants gets hot then nobody on the opposing defense can stop them. That happened in 2006 when Dwyane Wade robbed a sure ring from the fingers of the Dallas Mavericks. LeBron James picked apart the Detroit Pistons in 2007. But all too often it’s not the basketball icons who make the little difference. James Posey played a huge role in the Boston Celtics’ title run in 2008 as did defensive stalwart Bruce Bowen in the San Antonio Spurs’ championship teams.
So, who are the most important players besides the stars in the 2009 Playoffs? Who will do the crucial little things for the favorites this post-season? These guys are the X-factors away from the hype …
Trevor Ariza, L.A. Lakers
Stats: 8.9 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 1.8 Assists, 1.7 Steals
Whenever the Lakers need to stop the opponents’ best wing player, Trevor Ariza is called to duty. His athleticism and defensive mentality makes him the ideal Bowen-Posey clone for coach Phil Jackson. As opposed to his predecessors, Ariza brings more athleticism. And he will be called upon in the Playoffs to stop the likes of LeBron James, Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony and Hedo Türkoglu. That will give a small break defensively to Kobe Bryant – who was responsible for stopping Pierce in the 2008 Finals. And while Ariza’s strength is on defense, he also can score on the break and hit from long range (32.6 3-pt%).
Delonte West, Cleveland Cavaliers
Stats: 11.6 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 3.6 Assists, 39.4 3-pt%
Delone West played only shooting guard in college so it was no surprise that the tweener ran into problems in the NBA when his first two teams (Boston and Seattle) both put him at playmaker. But West is perfect for Cleveland. Mo Williams dishes the ball and LeBron James is basically a point forward in the half-court game. So it’s not a big issue that West struggles to create his own shot. He cleverly finds free space along the three-point line where he can shoot a high percentage or intelligently get by his charging defender and dish off an assist. And defensively his 6-foot-3 frame gives the Cavs a versatile guard to defend both positions, which helps the 6-foot-1 Williams.
Courtney Lee, Orlando Magic
Stats: 8.4 Points, 2.3 Rebounds, 1.2 Assists, 41.8 3-pt%
It’s rare that a late first rounder (22nd pick) plays an important role in his first Playoffs. But Courtney Lee is not your typically over-challenged rookie. After standing out in college for his absolutely professional work attitude, Lee played consistently and eventually made coach Stan Van Gundy’s starting line-up. On the one hand, he is a deadly effective outside shooter – an attribute any wing player must have in Orlando. But he is also a tough defender which gives point forward Hedo Türkoglu room to create. And the 6-foot-5 rookie also guards the likes of LeBron for Orlando.
Kenyon Martin, Denver Nuggets
Stats: 11.7 Points, 6.1 Rebounds, 1.1 Blocks, 2.0 Assists
Kenyon Martin once was a feared defensive and fast break monster while running alongside Jason Kidd in leading the Nets twice to the NBA Finals. But microfracture surgery eventually turned the high-energy power forward into a clever low post defensive specialist in Denver – someone who occasionally would surprise with an explosive action (offensively or defensively). Martin’s biggest help for the Nuggets is his strong rebounding, which helps Denver deal with opposing teams’ big men. Offensively, his repertoire is limited besides some emphatic dunks.
