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This NBA playoff season has been a showcase for top-tier talent delivering outstanding performances, featuring players like Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Gordon, Jalen Brunson, and Jimmy Butler, among others.
This period is all about key players stepping up to fulfill the roles they’ve been given and earned. No team can advance unless their standout player comes through.
Additionally, many role players have taken advantage of the moment, exceeding expectations and showing their value. Almost every team counts on such players to stay competitive.
This pool of emerging talents is growing, with each athlete carving out a reputation that deserves recognition.
Below is a rundown of each team’s hidden asset in these playoffs (listed alphabetically by surname):
Though he’s a former All-Star, Jarrett Allen should have “unsung” emblazoned on his jersey. He exemplifies the hardworking player, averaging 15 points in the playoffs despite not being featured in the Cavaliers’ offensive schemes.
His role as center has become even more critical with Evan Mobley’s injury situation causing concern. The two complemented each other well during a season where the Cavaliers amassed 64 wins. Now, Allen, the leading rebounder for the Cavs, must elevate his efforts in rebounding and rim protection to mitigate the potential setback of Mobley, who sat out Cleveland’s latest playoff match.
Ty Jerome deserves an honorable mention, although he’ll need to bounce back from a disappointing performance in his first game of the second round, where he scored only two points and missed 13 of his 14 shots in 28 minutes against the Pacers.
His rise has been swift, extending his profile beyond Denver. With the Nuggets not bringing back Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope over recent summers, Braun has found himself with increased playing time. While Denver could have used the depth and defensive skills of those two, Braun’s output has exceeded expectations. With an average of 39 minutes played during the playoffs, he has stepped up to fulfill his role through energy and determination. Though he’s not yet a sharp deep shooter, he challenges larger opponents at the basket and excels in transition. Peyton Watson is noteworthy here as well.
Acquired last summer alongside Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso joined a deep roster and has seen less than 20 minutes a night during the regular season. However, his contributions have been crucial in the playoffs, where he has increased both his playing time and impact. Leading the Thunder in steals—no small feat for the league’s top defensive team—Caruso often takes on the toughest matchup. He kicked off the second round with a noteworthy 20 points, six assists, and five steals in a game against Denver.
It’s an obvious choice; Josh Hart embodies the grit of the Knicks and may not be flashy, but he is integral. His resilience and all-around contributions make him indispensable, to the point that Coach Tom Thibodeau hesitates to keep him off the floor.
Hart has recorded three double-doubles in the playoffs, including a pivotal performance in Game 1’s overtime victory over the Celtics. Standing just 6-foot-4, he fights for rebounds against taller players. Thibs can always count on Hart to make defensive plays and grab loose balls in tight games. He has been doing this not only throughout the season but since joining the Knicks.
Mikal Bridges is a strong runner-up, having made significant defensive stops in both of the Knicks’ victories over the Celtics. However, it’s challenging to fly under the radar when New York made a substantial investment to bring him in.
Buddy Hield has entered rare company, becoming the third player in NBA history to achieve consecutive playoff games with 20 or more points, at least five three-pointers made, and zero turnovers.
While the Golden State Warriors historically relied on star power, they now depend on a mix of lesser-known players to make a deep playoff run. Pat Spencer, Quinten Post, and Brandin Podziemski have all stepped up beyond expectations, but it’s Buddy Hield who’s truly making a difference.
Having displayed inconsistency in prior teams, Hield started the season strong but faced challenges before regaining form in the playoffs. Although his three-point shooting can be erratic, he’s been on point recently. His defensive growth has been impressive, exemplified by his 33-point performance that eliminated the Rockets in the first round. With Stephen Curry sidelined for a few games due to a hamstring strain, Hield’s long-range shooting becomes crucial.
With Payton Pritchard now recognized as the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year, the spotlight shifts to an experienced veteran still logging significant minutes—32 per game in the playoffs—who is making an impact. Al Horford’s timing on defense is exemplary, and when he finds his spot in the corner, opponents must be wary of his three-point shooting ability.
Horford’s defensive presence is particularly vital against Karl-Anthony Towns, especially given Kristaps Porziņģis’ recent absence. Though Porziņģis returned for Game 2 against the Knicks after an illness kept him out of the latter half of Game 1, his history of injuries adds uncertainty.
It’s important to note that Jaden McDaniels is certainly not an under-the-radar player when it comes to defense, as he ranks among the top defenders in the league. However, it is his emerging offensive game that has made him a more well-rounded contributor.
In the first round against the Lakers, McDaniels excelled, scoring 30 and 25 points in two separate games, shooting a remarkable 24 of 35 total—certainly a strong showing for him. Though he can go cold, his scoring ability also provides valuable support for teammates Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle when he’s hitting from beyond the arc or scoring on the fast break.
“I got two words for you: Jaden McDaniels,” Anthony Edwards commented, attributing part of the Timberwolves’ success to his teammate.
The competition is close between him and Andrew Nembhard; both have elevated their performances to secure prominent roles in the lineup. Nembhard has been shooting 50% from the field in these playoffs and contributing 16 points per game while complementing Tyrese Haliburton in a productive backcourt duo.
However, we will highlight Aaron Nesmith. He is currently experiencing the best stretch of his season, and arguably his career.
Nesmith has scored in double digits for six consecutive games, rising to the occasion with critical plays during a thrilling Game 2 victory over Cleveland. Drafted as the 14th pick by the Celtics in 2020, he was traded for veteran Malcolm Brogdon three summers ago but has since blossomed in Indiana as a starter with expanded minutes.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email, explore his archive, and follow him on social media.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
