Sean: Tobias Harris

Tobi is a no brainer here for me.  He’s averaging 19.5 ppg and he was a couple percentage points away from the 50/40/90 club.  He’s Philly’s second option behind Embiid and he might be their most important player in crunch time. 

It’s simple for Harris: he’s gotta make shots. If he’s his regular-season, efficient self; the Sixers are a lot harder to guard.  Embiid will dominate this postseason and Ben Simmons will do his thing but Harris is the make or break piece in terms of the Sixers’ championship chances. 

James: Tobias Harris

Tobias Is always hiding in the background in Philly, but in previous failed to show up when it mattered most. This season he’s much more aggressive, and letting the game come to him. A huge improvement in his shot selection taking roughly 15 shots on night and capitalizing on 55% of them 

Needless to say he’s been the third option to a team that’s been building their expectations. New coach, better supporting cast is allowing him to feel more comfortable on the floor. Probably one of the most under the radar players who averages 17 a game for the majority of his career. If he can put up his regular season numbers In the lost season philly’s playoff run will be longer than they anticipate.

Sean: Joe Harris

In my opinion, Joe Harris is the definition of an X-Factor in this type of exercise. He’s a specialist in that he shoots and knocks down three’s at a staggering rate (47%!!!). However, he also fills a crucial role for this team outside of his shooting ability. He plays efficient, winning basketball without taking the ball away from Brooklyn’s three superstars.  He’s third on the team in win shares and he’s been a consistent contributor all season no matter who he shares the floor with.

With a healthy big 3, Joe Harris’ statistical contributions will be limited in some capacity but his effect won’t be.  His mere presence on the floor opens up space for his more ballyhooed teammates.  Throw in a winning hustle/defensive play or two and he’s got a chance to go down as a postseason hero. 

James: Joe Harris

You’d think with a team full of all stars how could there possibly be an X Factor for Brooklyn. I don’t think people understand just how lethal Joe Harris is. To have a shooter of this caliber conjoined with KD, Kyrie, Harden, and Blake Griffin is really just unfair at this point. When teams game plan they don’t account for what Harris and Brooklyn relies on him more than teams know.

He’s an updated version of JJ Redick and a guy who is always in the right place at the right time. When a bucket is needed for Brooklyn they often look at Harris before they look at the first three because they know the focus often leaves Harris for short spurts throughout the game. A career 44% three point shooter and top 5 in three point % this season at 48% (career high) it will be hard for teams to contain him 

Sean: Jrue Holiday

 It feels like cheating picking Jrue Holiday here. The accolades and recognition he’s received in his career so far seem remarkably small compared to his value in the league.  Holiday is an absolute dog on defense and there is no one better to hound Miami’s shooters than him.  Speaking of Miami, what’s the difference between last year’s Bucks team and this one? That’s right… Jrue Holiday.

The Bucks feel different than in year’s past and I think we’re gonna see that difference when Milwaukee walks on the floor with Holiday as their starting guard. He’s a killer on defense and the perfect compliment to Giannis. These playoffs are the reason Milwaukee traded for him. Let’s see him go to work. 

James: Jrue Holiday

One of the biggest moves the Bucks did in this offseason was acquire Holiday. Jrue is one of the best on ball defenders in the league and is averaging 17, and 6 on 50% shooting. It’s amazing how much one guy can change the morale of a franchise but the Bucks look unstoppable with Holiday leading the way. 

The Bucks finally have another guy who can take over and produce. Holidays ability to guard the perimeter at a high level will create havoc for a lot of teams. As soon as someone crosses halfcourt he is in their jersey for the full 24. Crazy thing to add to his Holidays resume is he’s averaged a steal a game for his whole career on the better half of two a game for 7 straight seasons. He is a true two way guard. 

Sean: RJ Barrett

I’m incredibly excited to see RJ Barrett’s postseason debut.  He’s improved every aspect of his game this year and he’s become the perfect partner for Julius Randle. Coach Thibs also seems to trust the kid as he’s averaging 30+ minutes per game. 

The Knicks as a whole have gotten to this point on the strength of their defense.  However, if they can find a way to unlock the offensive potential of Barrett in the postseason; they could do more than merely win a first round series. With Barrett and Randle playing at their most dangerous power levels, the Knicks can cause problems for any team in the Eastern Conference. On both sides of the ball at that.

James: Derrick Rose

The Knicks are one of the most exciting teams to watch this year and although they are being led by All Star Julius Randle, the real weapon of mass destruction is the emergence of Derrick Rose. Rose is coming off the bench for New York providing roughly 15 points a game on 48% shooting. Under Thibs he’s seeing the most minutes he’s seen in over 5 years at 26.8 and has managed to rack up a career high from the three point line at 41%.

Every night this team leans on the veteran leadership Rose exemplifies. He might not be the mvp D Rose we all are accustomed to seeing, but on the defensive end he’s Uber effective. When Rose is on the floor he has a PER of +18.33 the second highest on the team behind Randle. Expect him to see big minutes this postseason and he might even make his way in the starting lineup.

Sean: Bogdan Bogdanović

The Bogdanović signing was one of my favorite moves of the off-season.  Bogi started out slow but he’s come on strong late. In fact, it seems as if his stellar play has coincided with Atlanta’s late season surge (that and Nate McMillian taking over head coaching duties).

Bogi is the perfect complementary player to Trae Young.  He’s a capable ball handler and facilitator as well as a lethal threat off the ball. The Hawks are trending up and the continued chemistry building between Young and Bogdanović could coalesce into an Atlanta playoff series win.

James: Bogdan Bogdanović

Among many positives for the Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanović has been on a tear since the all star break (18.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 3.7 apg). Bogi has solidified his role as Atlanta caught the injury bug throughout the whole regular season. The biggest reason he is the team’s X Factor is when Young, Collins, Reddish, Gallo, and Capela were sidelined he picked up the scoring load and was able to be huge in the clutch.

If Bogi stays consistent, gets into a rhythm, and displays his red hot three point percentage (43%), the Hawks will be tough to beat in a seven game series. Are we seeing another version of Joe Johnson on the floor ? 

Sean: Tyler Herro

Miami needs Herro to regain his bubble form.  Jimmy has been unbelievable this season and Bam has taken another step forward in his development.  Herro however, has taken a step back.  He’s played well to finish the season but in order for Miami to get some of that bubble magic back, they’ll need Tyler’s scowl to return in full force.

There’s a reason Miami refused to put Herro’s name in trade talks and he’s got to reward their faith with production. His shooting stats compared to last season aren’t terrible but they didn’t improve either. That being said, Herro was the difference last year. He can be the same player this year.

James: Duncan Robinson

I’ve said this last year and I will say it again. The Heat will be much more successful when Duncan Robinson finds his rhythm. Being one of the best three point threats in the league puts a target on your back, but when he’s able to create space he can really hurt other teams offensively. Coach Spoelstra needs to run sets for Robinson and have guys set screens for him continuously. Make guys chase Robinson for the full 48.

Robinson works well without the basketball, getting 70% of his looks. Shooting 39% from three last year in the playoffs was impressive, but the question now is how well can Miami get him open. 

Sean: Kemba Walker

All season the Celtics have relied on the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.  To be frank, the results have been mixed. With Brown down and out with an injury, Kemba Walker needs to reassert himself as a force in this league.  The guy started an All-Star game a year ago and now he’s relegated to trade rumors, injury concerns and a fanbase who continues to doubt him. For good reason I might add.

I still believe in Kemba Walker and I still believe in this Celtics team.  Kemba’s gotta bring it though in order for the C’s to cause a ruckus in these playoffs. (Case in point: his 29 point effort in the Celtics play-in win over Washington).  If Kemba is firing on all cylinders, the load on Tatum is at least relieved a bit and everyone else’s role becomes defined. The Celtics need Kemba to at least match Kyrie’s production.

James: Evan Fournier

Ainge brought him on trade deadline day and I’m waiting for the day he can come back into his Orlando form. With a broken down Celtics team who is searching for the second option to be consistent with Jaylen Brown gone for the season, Fournier needs to be able to knock down shots at a high clip and find his rhythm. He’s hard to contain when he shoots 46% from three and puts up 19 a game.

If he can be that guy to back up Kemba and Tatum then that first round series against Brooklyn is going to be very interesting. In his 16 games with Boston he’s put up a measly 13 points a game and leads the team in three point percentage. If stevens can run specific sets and run Fournier off screens it will take some of the scoring load off of Tatum and Kemba. Balance is key in the playoffs and Fournier has that. 

Sean: Rui Hachimura

The Wizards go as Beal and Westbrook go.  At times, they can be electric and other times abysmal (remember when they started the season 0-8?). Rui’s numbers are nearly identical to what he put up in his rookie season. That’s not a great sign but nevertheless, he’s the Wizards third most important player.

If the Wizards are going to give Philadelphia a scare at all, Rui is going to have to increase his production and start playing with some confidence. He’s shown flashes but right now he has a legitimate opportunity to shine alongside Beal and Westbrook.  Age and experience shouldn’t be an excuse anymore. 

James: Rui Hachimura

I’m glad the Wizards punched their ticket into the lost season because I’ve been waiting to bring up Hachimura. An Uber athletic forward who averages 13.8 ppg, and 5.5 rpg. In certain situations he poses as the Wizards third option offensively and is an above average defender.

Over the course of a year Hachimura has improved his three point shooting from 28% to 33% while seeing 2.5 shots roughly a night. During the game in particular Hachimura came out the gate putting up 18 points on 6/8 shooting (2-3 from three) where he was +14 for the game.

The versatility in his game and the ability to play positions 3-5 is a really big advantage. Is he can stay consistent and defend well, then Washington can compete with anyone