25. Nik Stauskas — Celtics
The former lottery pick has bounced around during his time in the league. Originally a Sacramento Kings draft pick, Stauskas has spent time in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Portland, Cleveland, Miami, Spain, and the G-League. Now a veteran, Stauskas has settled into the role of a deep reserve on this Celtics team. He won’t be seeing many minutes with Ime Udoka employing a strict nine-man rotation. That being said, Stauskas remains a deadeye shooter who scored 57 points (11 made threes) in a G-League game earlier this year.
Image Source: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
24. Damion Lee — Warriors
Despite being on the Warriors for four seasons, Damion Lee made his first playoff appearance for the team this year. He’s appeared in 12 games this postseason, registering 9.7 MPG. Having been with the organization for nearly a half-decade, Lee has a strong familiarity with the Warriors’ system and their stars. He certainly showed his ability to make an impact in Golden State’s odd Game 4 matchup against the Mavericks. Facing a massive fourth quarter deficit, Steve Kerr turned to an all-reserve lineup which nearly got them back into the game. In 15 minutes of playtime, Lee registered a +15 while notching six points and six rebounds. The trust factor is there, and Lee has shown he’ll be ready if called upon.
Image Source: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
23. Aaron Nesmith — Celtics
Aaron Nesmith may very well develop into a quality NBA player at one point in his career. While he hasn’t shot the ball particularly well through his first two seasons, Nesmith has picture-perfect form and projects to one day be a knockdown outside shooter. He’s Boston’s most recent lottery pick (selected 14th in 2020) and figures to be part of Boston’s long-term future.
However, you can’t help but think the Celtics could have drafted a major contributor for this current run instead of Nesmith. Looking at the rest of the 2020 first round, Boston could have had guys like Cole Anthony, Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey — or perhaps most disturbingly, Tyrese Maxey or Desmond Bane. In fact, the Celtics could have had both Maxey and Bane (who was originally drafted by Boston) instead of Nesmith and Pritchard. Ouch.
Image Source: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
22. Daniel Theis — Celtics
It’s a bit surprising the Celtics haven’t utilized Theis more this postseason. The veteran center is outsized in every matchup. However, Theis is a solid shot-blocker and capable three-point shooter. To this point, Theis has only seen playing time when Robert Williams has been forced out due to injury. In the team’s opening series versus Brooklyn, Theis started all four games while averaging 8.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 22 MPG. He didn’t play in the last three games of the Miami series, as the center minutes were split between Williams and Al Horford.
Still, if Williams isn’t 100-percent it could be valuable to give Theis some minutes to lessen the workload on Boston’s 24-year-old starter. For what it’s worth, Theis has shot the ball considerably well against the Warriors over his career — 54-percent from the field and 55-percent from three in 10 career games versus GS.
Image Source: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
21. Juan Toscano-Anderson — Warriors
Toscano-Anderson saw his role diminish over the course of the season. His minutes decreased after the All-Star break as the Warriors got healthier. While it’s unclear if he’ll receive significant playing time in the Finals, there’s no doubting Toscano-Anderson will be ready if called upon. The Oakland-born forward has a relentless motor and plays with unbridled energy. And, he shot 40-percent from three last year while being a major contributor for a Warriors team that reached the play-in tournament. If some of Golden State’s younger players don’t rise to the occasion, don’t be surprised to see Steve Kerr look at Toscano-Anderson for some spot minutes.
Image Source: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
20. Moses Moody — Warriors
The recently-turned 20-year-old is growing before our very eyes. Moody took a backseat to Golden State’s other youngsters during the regular season. He appeared in just 52 games and averaged 11.7 minutes per contest. After not making an appearance in the Warriors’ opening round series versus the Nuggets, Moody became more of a fixture within the team’s rotation in the five-game battle against Dallas.
Appearing in all five games, Moody made the most of his opportunity shooting a blistering 53-percent from the field and 50-percent from three. Standing at 6-foot-6, Moody is yet another lengthy athlete who can be used against Boston’s pair of gifted wings. Though he could struggle to find significant playing time with the Warriors nursing back to full health.
Image Source: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
19. Nemanja Bjelica — Warriors
Bjelica represents the immense depth within this current Golden State outfit. The 6-foot-10 Serbian has always boasted a tantalizing skillset. He’s a solid shooter who has shot over 38-percent from beyond the arc over a seven-year career. Additionally, Bjelica’s length allows him to be a capable defender on the other end of the floor. He’s been used sparingly throughout this postseason run, though he did make a considerable impact in the Game 4 near-comeback versus the Mavericks (+18 in 14 minutes). With Gary Payton II and Andre Iguodala likely back for the Finals, Bjelica may not see many minutes unless another injury occurs.
Image Source: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
18. Payton Pritchard — Celtics
The former Oregon Duck has developed into a quality backup guard for the Celtics. Pritchard’s elite shooting has earned him playing time over his career. Playing off of players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Pritchard is arguably Boston’s most consistent catch-and-shoot option. He’s shot over 41-percent from beyond the arc in each of the last two seasons. Opponents will go after him on the defensive end — mainly because Boston has so few defensive liabilities — which will ultimately dictate how many minutes Ime Udoka can afford his backup point guard. In a pinch, Pritchard will provide an offensive burst from the outside.
Image Source: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
17. Andre Iguodala — Warriors
We know what Iguodala brings to the table. The intangibles cannot be quantified. This is a guy with a massive amount of experience. For all intents and purposes, the often-injured Iguodala is a glorified coach on the bench for this team. He had been out with various physical ailments throughout the postseason. However, reports indicate that he could be available to play in this series. While he’s not the same athlete he once was, Iguodala can give the Warriors some productive minutes in spurts. He’s immensely smart, and highly capable as a spot-up shooter.
Image Source: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
16. Jonathan Kuminga — Warriors
Steve Kerr has shown faith in the Warriors’ 19-year-old rookie throughout this playoff run. Kuminga — who was drafted with the lottery selection Golden State received in the D’Angelo Russell-Andrew Wiggins swap — has appeared in 12 postseason contests and entered the starting lineup on three occasions. Aside from a one-minute stint in the close-out game versus Dallas, Kuminga is averaging 10.8 PPG in 14.7 MPG over his last five playoff games. Each time Kuminga steps on the floor, he provides a jolt of energy and athleticism that is unmatched by any other Warrior. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Kerr turn to Kuminga as a primary defender on Jayson Tatum for short spurts.
Image Source: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
15. Gary Payton II — Warriors
After suffering a fractured elbow in the Memphis series, we didn’t know whether Payton II would return again in the postseason. Fortunately for the Warriors, it appears as if his return is imminent. According to a report on the Tuesday before the series begins, Payton II was a full participant in practice. Getting him back on the court would be a major boon for the Warriors. Like his father, the younger Payton is a tenacious perimeter defender. He adds toughness, grit, and energy to the team. Even if he’s in the game for a handful of minutes, you know he’ll try to annoy the hell out of Boston’s primary ballhandlers.
Image Source: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
14. Otto Porter Jr. — Warriors
The veteran wing had been beset by foot soreness. Though he may appear to be superfluous on the surface, we must dig deeper as to the impact Porter Jr. brings. In 13 postseason games during this current run, the Warriors are +91 with Porter Jr. on the floor. In four of those games, Porter Jr. notched double-digit scoring efforts. His overall length and size gives the Warriors a more mobile option compared to Kevon Looney. If there’s a series where Porter Jr. can be utilized, it’ll be this one. The wing pairing of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is as good as you’ll see in the league today.
Image Source: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
13. Grant Williams — Celtics
Along with Derrick White, Grant Williams is the other primary bench option for the Celtics. The former Tennessee product uses a stout frame to guard threes, fours, and even the occasional five. What he lacks in height he makes up for in brains, length, and leverage. Offensively, Williams has developed into a decently reliable three-point shooter. Golden State has to be cognizant of his presence on the floor. Williams has a propensity to crash the glass, and also leak out in transition. Based upon his physical profile, you can surely bet that Draymond Green will relish the opportunity to try and take Williams out of the game.
Image Source: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
12. Kevon Looney — Warriors
One of Boston’s big advantage over Miami involved being the superior team on the glass. The combination of Al Horford and Robert Williams really gave Bam Adebayo some issues. While Golden State will surely go small and play for stretches with Draymond Green at the five, the Warriors do have a card to play of their own. Kevon Looney has been very productive during the playoffs. He averaged over 8 rebounds a game in only 19 minutes versus Memphis. Against Dallas, Looney averaged 10.6 rebounds in 28 minutes of action. The former UCLA star is a very sound defender, and is quite unselfish with the basketball. In essence, the perfect ‘doing the dirty work’ fit.
Image Source: Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports
11. Derrick White — Celtics
Boston made a shrewd move at the deadline when nabbing the veteran guard from San Antonio. In some aspects, White has been the most important bench player for the Celtics. We’ve seen White garner trust from the coaching staff, and that has led to him playing some very steady minutes. White’s ability to attack the rim is a welcomed sight for the second unit. Additionally, he can alleviate play-making responsibilities from other lead guards on the roster. White is also a very capable defender, having the ability to guard multiple spots. In this series, Boston will surely want him to give the Celtics some offensive zing off the bench. He’ll also be tasked with trying to slow Jordan Poole.
Image Source: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
10. Jordan Poole — Warriors
Poole is a major x-factor for Golden State. Earlier in the playoffs, he was spectacular when filling in for a hobbled Stephen Curry. Poole demonstrated an assortment of offensive skills — which included pulling up from deep and also terrorizing defenders off the dribble. As Curry has gotten healthier, Poole’s impact has been hampered a bit. With that said, the Warriors are going to need him as a primary scoring option off the bench. To mitigate Boston’s prowess on the defensive end, you could see plenty of smaller lineups with Poole playing alongside Curry and Klay Thompson. He’ll likely be guarded by Derrick White for long stretches — though surely Marcus Smart will get a crack at Poole, also.
Image Source: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
9. Al Horford — Celtics
The veteran big man has been spectacular for the Celtics. Horford’s collective experience has enabled him to be a plus-defender throughout the playoffs. He knows exactly where to position himself, and has proven to be valuable both as a stationary defender and as a rim-protecting dynamo. Duly, Horford has been a floor spacer for Boston — hitting threes with regularity. His ability to open up driving lanes for Jayson Tatum is immense. Against Golden State, he’ll likely be matched up against Draymond Green. It’ll be interesting to see whether Horford can maintain the same level of impact on both ends of the floor.
Image Source: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
8. Andrew Wiggins — Warriors
The No. 1 pick in 2014, Andrew Wiggins is enjoying life as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Wiggins was deemed an All-Star starter this year, and the electric wing has proved his worth in the postseason. The third-year Warrior has contributed 15.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game en route to the Finals. Against Dallas in the Western Conference Finals, Wiggins scored double-digits in all five games — and posted double-doubles in Game’s 3 and 5.
If Wiggins can remain efficient from the field, Golden State will be very tough to stop. Defensively, Wiggins will be the primary defender against Jayson Tatum. If Wiggins can prevent Tatum from taking over the series, the narrative surrounding the former No. 1 pick may change forever.
Image Source: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
7. Marcus Smart — Celtics
Boston’s defensive renaissance in the middle of the season was led by two studs: Marcus Smart and Robert Williams. While Williams was named to the All-Defensive Second-Team, Smart was deemed the NBA’s top defender for the year — and became the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1996.
Smart has endured multiple injuries in the postseason. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Smart missed two games due to foot and ankle sprains. Smart played one of his best games of the postseason when it counted most. In Game 7, Smart handled the Heat with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Smart will be tasked with slowing down Steph Curry. Let’s see what the DPoY has up his sleeve.
Image Source: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
6. Robert Williams — Celtics
At his best, Robert Williams is a monster around the basket. Selected to the All-Defensive Second-Team, Williams averaged 2.2 blocks and 9.6 rebounds per game in just 29.6 MPG. Unfortunately, ‘Time Lord’ has missed seven games thus far in the postseason due to a lingering knee issue. Williams missed two games against Brooklyn, Games 4-7 against Milwaukee, and Game 3 against Miami.
In Boston’s Game 7 triumph over the Heat, Williams was limited to 15 minutes and made very little impact (two points, three boards). If Williams isn’t available to deter Golden State from getting to the rim, Boston’s interior defense could be a fatal flaw.
Image Source: Jim Rassol/Getty Images
5. Klay Thompson — Warriors
In the aftermath of tearing his ACL and Achilles, Thompson is finally back on the court after missing more than two full seasons. While it would be unfair to expect Thompson to return to his pre-injury form, the sharpshooter has struggled a bit in his return. In 32 regular season contests, Thompson averaged 20.4 PPG on 38.5-percent from three (a career-low). Thompson’s shooting numbers have improved in the postseason.
Thus far, Thompson is shooting 45.7-percent from the field and 39.9-percent from three. Ultimately, Thompson’s defense will be a big factor in this series. In his return, Thompson has appeared to be more limited defensively compared to his 2019 form. Can he help slow Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum?
Image Source: Kelley L Cox-Getty Images
4. Draymond Green — Warriors
A four-time All-Star, seven-time All-Defensive, and two-time All-NBA selection, Draymond Green’s importance cannot be undersold. While Green has seemingly lost all confidence as it pertains to shooting the ball, the longtime Warrior remains a key cog on both ends of the floor.
Green is a good passer, and sets countless screens as Golden State breaks down opposing defenses. Defensively, Green’s ability to defend the paint when the Warriors go small is crucial (as is his switching capability). For the Warriors, any shots Green can knock down — especially from beyond the arc — is a bonus.
Image Source: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jaylen Brown — Celtics
Jaylen Brown must fire on all cylinders in order for the Celtics to win the NBA Finals. On some nights this postseason, Brown has been Boston’s best scorer. However, he has also committed far too many turnovers — averaging 3.0 TO per game in the postseason. Overall, Brown has been rather potent en route to the Finals.
The former California Golden Bear is averaging 22.9/6.8/3.5 on 48.5 FG% and 38.6 3PT%. Against the Warriors, Brown will be asked to slow down Klay Thompson and/or Andrew Wiggins. His ability to defend and limit turnovers may swing this series in Boston’s favor.
Image Source: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
2. Stephen Curry — Warriors
Is this the year Steph Curry claims his elusive Finals MVP? A three-time champion, the greatest three-point shooter of all-time has yet to claim the Finals’ top individual award. By his lofty standards, Curry didn’t shoot the ball well this season. A year after averaging 32.0 PPG, Curry averaged 25.5 while shooting 43.7-percent from the field and 38-percent from three — easily his worst numbers in a full season.
Curry’s shot hasn’t improved in the postseason, either. Through three rounds, Curry is shooting 38-percent from three and 82.2-percent from the free throw line (a 10-percent drop from the regular season). In Golden State’s last two games, Curry scored a combined 35 points.
Image Source: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jayson Tatum — Celtics
It may be a bit surprising to see Tatum ranked No. 1 ahead of Steph Curry, but it isn’t much of a stretch. Tatum has been fantastic all season — evidenced by being named to the All-NBA First Team. After averaging career-highs in points (26.9), rebounds (8.0) and assists (4.4) in the regular season, Tatum has starred in the postseason.
Through the Conference Finals, Tatum is averaging 27.0/6.7/5.9 while shooting 37.5-percent from deep. Tatum has had a few bad games (Game 3 versus both Milwaukee and Miami) and is turning the ball over too much, but the Eastern Conference Finals MVP enters the Finals as the top player.
Image Source: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports