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Playoffs: NBA Role Players

 


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| May 30, 2005

Star power is worth its weight in gold come NBA playoff time.

The San Antonio Spurs have ridden the coattails of Tim Duncan for years en route to two NBA titles. The Phoenix Suns definitely fall in line behind Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. These men definitely fall under the category of "big guns."

When the playoffs roll around in April, such top-tier talent must take it up a notch. If they fail to do so, it typically means curtains for their team. Just ask the Wizards. Eddie Jordan is still investigating the whereabouts of one Gilbert Arenas. No milk carton being left unchecked in D.C these days.

There are times when the aces on both sides are on point. They raise their games to that next level. This, of course, makes for wonderful basketball to watch. Once again, alluding to the Spurs and Suns, the big boys have definitely come to play in that series.

Not quite as important, yet still vital, are those we deem role players. They're often, unsung, under-appreciated, and most certainly undervalued. But in the playoffs, they can mean the difference between a nice season and one that extends into June.

Nazr Mohammed is currently the starting center for the San Antonio Spurs. He gives Gregg Popovich an athletic big man who can check guys like Stoudemire. That, in turn, allows Duncan more freedom to help elsewhere and reduces the risk of foul difficulty.

Mohammed, acquired in a trade with the New York Knicks, has been more than solid through this point in the playoffs. He's provided a physical, shot-altering presence inside and he is extremely good on the offensive glass. What makes him more valuable than Malik Rose -- the player the Spurs dealt for Mohammed -- is that he can play center. This allows Duncan to remain at power forward, where he is more comfortable and far more effective.

And then there's Jim Jackson, who has played a significant role in the Suns' run to this point. J.J. is shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc in the playoffs. In Joe Johnson's stead, Jackson has proven to be a capable outlet for Steve Nash. Teams are still unable to collapse and give help in the paint for fear of allowing wide-open looks to shooters. It's been tougher against the Spurs, but in general, Jackson's done his job.

No one has been better from three-point range for Phoenix than Jackson. He has been good for roughly 15 points and 7 boards per contest from the time Joe Johnson (yes, the other J.J.) went down in the Dallas series to Johnson's return in Game 3 of the Western conference finals.

The Pistons are benefiting from Antonio McDyess' play off the bench. This was yet another splendid acquisition by Joe Dumars. Dice gives Detroit another long, athletic body to use when Rasheed Wallace sits -- as if the Pistons did not have enough size already.

Email questions and comments to Spangler at scott@insidehoops.com










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