After a wild and crazy finish to the regular season, the playoffs are finally upon us! The fate of several teams came down to one last day, and now we finally have a clear picture of who to look forward to over the next several weeks. The stars will be out in full force, but while they are vitally important, we often forget the glue guys that end up making or breaking a postseason run. With the 2015 NBA Playoffs on the horizon, let’s take a look at the 10 most important role players heading into the postseason.
Greivis Vasquez, Toronto Raptors
Greivis Vasquez is not your prototypical point guard. He is tall, methodic, and his savvy style allows him to overcome a lack of explosive speed. He is also one of the most important players on the Toronto Raptors. With Kyle Lowry injured for large portions of the year, Vasquez filled in and kept the Raptors winning. Lowry hasn’t been himself since coming back from injury, and the load will be on Vasquez again to be a stabilizing force in the backcourt. He can hit threes and run the offense, and will have to do so efficiently and effectively if Toronto wants to make a real run.
Andrew Bogut, Golden State Warriors
When the Golden State Warriors are fully healthy, they are virtually unstoppable. The only problem is that Andrew Bogut has historically been injury prone. Last season, he missed the playoffs and a tightly contested series against the Clippers. This year, he is back, and continues to be one of the best passing big men in the league, in addition to the backbone of Golden State’s defense. While he isn’t relied on for offense, his versatility with and without the ball, setting screens and freeing up teammates, is invaluable. If Bogut stays healthy, it’s hard to imagine any team beating Golden State four times out of seven.
Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
Chicago has dealt with a tremendous amount of injury this season, but has continued to push to the playoffs like nothing happened. One reason for their consistent success has been the meteoric rise in performance from Nikola Mirotic. The rookie power forward is a nightmare to defend, as he can shoot from distance, drive to the basket, and just about everything in between. Mirotic has earned a larger role in the offense, and the Bulls are now finding new ways to feature him on offense. He provides valuable wing scoring and offensive flexibility. Chicago can only go as far as Mirotic will take them, as surprising as that may have sounded at the start of the season.
Tyson Chandler, Dallas Mavericks
Back in 2011, the Dallas Mavericks rode Dirk Nowitzki to an NBA title over the Miami Heat. That title would have been impossible, however, without the play of Tyson Chandler. Chandler was the brawn to Dirk’s brains, and provided the defensive coverage and rebounding ability that was lacking on Dallas’ frontline for years. This season, Chandler’s play will again dictate much of how far the Mavericks can go. He is having one of his best years ever, averaging a double-double and shooting above his career averages both from the field and the free throw line. He is again the defensive backbone of the Mavericks, and can easily swing a series in their favor.
Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets
When Houston takes the floor, all eyes are on James Harden. This is not a surprise, as the MVP candidate is the focal point of the Rockets’ offense. Lurking in the background, ready to knock down a three or get a clutch steal, is Trevor Ariza. With injuries to Patrick Beverley and Donatas Motiejunas, Ariza’s role has increased and he has been asked to do more offensively. His ability to defend larger wings will be an important factor for Houston, and will free up Harden to defend inferior players and conserve energy. Ariza has hit clutch shots before, and has the championship experience that can help lead Houston to victory.
Timofey Mozgov, Cleveland Cavaliers
Who would have thought a midseason trade for Mozgov would help turn the Cavaliers’ season around? Mozgov provided a viable option at center and helped shore up the middling defense that Cleveland was playing for much of the season. With the loss of Anderson Varejao, Mozgov filled a necessary role in the frontcourt. Without him, Cleveland’s execution falters on both ends of the floor. He is truly and underrated role player that could play a large role this postseason.
Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies
Tony Allen is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies’ recent shaky play can be partly attributed to Allen being injured and out of the lineup. He has not played in a few weeks, and Memphis will need him healthy to play up to their potential. Tony can lock down just about anyone on the floor, and helps turn the Grizzlies’ defense into offense. Without Allen, the “Grit ‘N Grind” style simply isn’t as effective. If Memphis can get him back, healthy, in the playoffs, they will be a very tough out.
Danny Green, San Antonio Spurs
It’s hard to single out any particular role player on San Antonio that can provide a valuable impact. The whole team plays so well together that they seem to form one unit. However, Green has been one of the Spurs’ rocks this season, while guys like Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili were injured. Green played significant minutes and hit big shot after big shot. His three point shooting can change a game and swing a series, and when he gets hot, he is absolutely lights out. Green has the ability to stretch defenses, and is also one of the most underrated wing defenders, especially in transition. Look for Green to make big plays this offseason, as he has done so often in the past.
Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers
When Portland was struggling early in the season, a lot of the blame can be placed on Batum’s disappointing start to the year. Since the all-star break, Batum has played like himself again, and his resurgence could not have come at a better time for the Trail Blazers. The injury to Wesley Matthews put a dent in Portland’s playoff hopes, but Batum can fill some of his duties on offense and defense. His versatility on both ends of the floor is unmatched on the Trail Blazers, and when he gets hot he is virtually unstoppable. Look for Portland to rely on him to swing a game or two, and potentially an entire series.
Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Crawford has earned himself the infamous label of “volume scorer,” yet that title doesn’t seem to fit him anymore. He is L.A’s best bench player, and can get hot in an instant. Crawford has been sixth man of the year several times, and his role on the Clippers is the same. He provides much needed points off the bench, but can also slide in with the starting rotation to spread the floor and be a go-to scorer with the clock winding down. If he can get hot, he can easily win the Clippers a game or two.