2013 NBA Playoffs: Most Surprising Player For Each Team
May 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat power forward Chris Andersen (11) battles for a rebound with Chicago Bulls shooting guard Daequan Cook during the second half in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat – Chris Andersen – 6.9 PPG, 4 RPG
It’s only natural that the rotation shrinks in the playoffs, but Andersen has not only kept his minutes but also been extremely efficient. After the first-round of the playoffs, Birdman was actually leading the league in PER, and his current 28.94 postseason PER ranks him fourth in the playoffs, just ahead of LeBron James.
Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the Miami Heat at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Miami won 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks – Ersan Ilyasova – 11.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG
There is very little the Bucks can take away from this year’s playoffs. They got swept, never really had a chance and looked all-around miserable. Miami pretty much shut down Milwaukee and no player could really get it going, but Ilyasova was fun to watch at times. He was terrible in games 1 and 4, but very solid in games 2 and 3.
May 1, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Iman Shumpert (21) reacts after being called for a foul on Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (not pictured) during the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks – Iman Shumpert – 9.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG
It took Shumpert 3 playoff games to really find his groove, but he has been awarded with some major minutes and done very well since then. His stellar perimeter defense is intact and he is stretching the floor by shooting 44.4% from the 3-point line in the playoffs. The Knicks are now in a 2-1 hole against the Pacers and will need Shumpert to continue doing Shump things.
Mar. 7, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) looks to pass the ball against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder – Reggie Jackson – 13.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3 APG
With Westbrook out, Reggie Jackson has embraced the opportunity which has presented itself. With OKC struggling to find offense outside of Kevin Durant, Jackson has picked up the slack and is scoring over 15 points per game since Russ went down. The Thunder are still in trouble against the Grizzlies, but Jackson is establishing himself as a solid future backup option behind Westbrook.
Apr 10, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (4) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs – Danny Green – 9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2 APG
Green did the seemingly impossible by slowing down Steph Curry when he drew the assignment, even though his offense took a hit. His scoring has been rather sporadic, but he has knocked down some huge shots and played a pivotal role for the Spurs.
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