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Hardwood Paroxysm Presents The Replacements: Bench players we’re most excited to watch in the NBA Playoffs

By HP Basketball Network

Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) shoots a free throw during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. The Spurs won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) shoots a free throw during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. The Spurs won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Yeung (@KevinHFY) is most excited to watch… Isaiah Thomas

If he’d been healthy and a Celtic for the entire season, Isaiah Thomas would be the runaway favorite for Sixth Man of the Year. In 20 games since joining Boston at the trade deadline’s feeding frenzy, he’s led the team in scoring with 19.5 points per game to go with a healthy 5.4 assists. Any team starting Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley in the backcourt is going to need instant offense in reserve, and Thomas has been lightning in a bottle. He’s getting to the line a ton – nobody can keep him out of the lane – and making all sorts of quirky shots while the likes of Jae Crowder, Brandon Bass and Jonas Jerebko space the floor (read: watch bucket-getting).

The Celtics aren’t expected to go far in the playoffs – at the time of writing, they haven’t even clinched yet. We’ll probably get a quick round of Thomas and friends getting shredded by the Atlanta Hawks or the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that’ll be it. BUT: Thomas has scorched defenses all season long, and now getting his first ever taste of playoff hoops, I can’t wait to see what kind of fireworks he has in store for the big stage.

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