Steve Jones

The mega stars take center stage in the postseason, the hopes of their respective teams of a long run into June resting on their broad shoulders. But the importance of some other players should not be minimized because in many cases their contributions help bring about wins. So here are six non-stars worth keeping a close eye on this spring.

Courtney Lee
Magic

Last June’s first-round draft pick taken 22nd overall by the Magic set his sights high, and cemented himself as the team’s starting shooting guard. The loss of All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson, who’s out injured for the postseason, has turned up the heat on Lee to play well, and though a rookie, he is certainly capable of doing that.

He’s a total player, and his versatility can pay big dividends. He runs well, dunks, and can score from a lot of different places on the floor. Lee can get to the rim, but he can also make a jump shot, and he’s a decent passer. He is not a great decision maker, but he is getting better at that. A lot of self confidence also helps his cause.

The Magic are a jump shooting team, and when they are making jump shots, they are going to dust their opponent, and they are going to do it with ease. But when the jump shots are not falling, they’ll need Lee’s versatile offensive game to help put some points on the board.

Rajon Rando
Celtics

With Kevin Garnett out, the speedy point guard knew he and his teammates would have to do more, but Rondo now has to up his game while battling a sprained right ankle suffered in Game 2 against the Bulls. If he can sustain a higher level of play, it will take the pressure off of Boston’s other guards.

Rondo is going to have the ball in his hands a lot, and he will try and make plays that will make a difference. After Boston’s Big Three – now the Big Two with Garnett sidelined – Rondo is the raging guy. What I like most about Rondo is he has a toughness about him. He takes some flak for not being a good shooter, and sometimes is a shaky decision-maker, but he’s doesn’t let that criticism affect his play.

He attacks the basket, and has solid court vision. He is a good on-the-ball defender, and he plays well in the big moments. Rondo is a better player than he was last season. He just doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

J.R. Smith
Nuggets

Don’t forget, Smith came straight from high school to the NBA, and now – in his fifth NBA season – he is finally playing with the level of confidence the Nuggets need him from him. He closed out the regular season out by being very consistent with his offensive game, and inconsistency has been an issue with him in the past.

The swingman is a tremendous natural athlete, who is also a highly coordinated and skilled player. Scoring wise, he’s a pure and natural point-getter, whether he is going to the hoop or draining a jumper from beyond the arc. If anything, his passing is underrated.

The pressure is on Smith in the playoffs, but he’s more settled now, and there still is more to get from him. If he isn’t committing silly fouls, and if he isn’t getting emotionally wrapped up with the officials’ calls, he’s a real productive offensive force who makes it easier for Denver to win.

Andrew Bynum
Lakers

In early February, he tore his MCL and missed 32 games. The Lakers weren’t counting on him for the playoffs so it’s huge he’s back starting at center. The Lakers need to keep Bynum in the games, both offensively and defensively, where he doesn’t get himself into foul trouble, and also try and force the issue at the offensive end. He also needs to rebound the ball effectively.

If Bynum can stay somewhere close to averaging around 15 points and 10 rebounds a game, it takes pressure off power forward Pau Gasol to have to come up big every game. Bynum’s presence – if productive – will make the game easier for the Lakers.

At 7-foot, Bynum’s size can really make a difference. If the Lakers can get the ball into him, he can catch it. He’s also got a decent jump hook, and he can dunk the ball. Bynum has a good work ethic, and he’s someone who craves success and wants to do well. One concern for the Lakers with Bynum is foul trouble. He’s one of those guys who can go from one foul to three fouls in like 30 seconds. Another worry for L.A. is he can get into it with the officials and pick up a technical foul.

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