NBA Week 24 Rewind: Who has momentum for the playoffs?

Under-the-radar Players to Watch in the Playoffs

Hassan Whiteside‘s career with the Heat is almost confusing. In October, he was coming from a startling breakout season, hoping to prove that it wasn’t just a fluke and that he genuinely has special talent. As a few weeks went by and some 20-point games and block-based triple-doubles filled his stat sheet, it looked like he was taking another step forward.

As the NBA trade deadline got closer, though, his name kept appearing in rumors. Is he really what the Heat want for the future? Is he worth a max contract? Is his defense consistent enough and does he have the right attitude?

Well, now that the trade deadline and Whiteside’s days as a starter have passed, the Heat are better for it.

Whiteside left the starting lineup on January 22 and since being replaced with Amar’e Stoudemire, the starters have been more fluid on offense with a small-ball approach that followed Chris Bosh’s absence due to the reoccurring problem of blood clots. And since moving to the bench, Whiteside’s effort has been high, his chemistry with Goran Dragic has improved, and he’s been a force in an altered frontcourt rotation.

Averaging 16.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in 29.3 minutes since joining the second unit is an absurd amount of impact for someone coming off the bench. And if the Heat remain in the 5th seed for the playoffs, Whiteside’s athleticism, pick-and-roll threat, and improving strength in the post is going to be incredibly hard to stop for the 4th seed Celtics and their frontcourt.

Update: After such an imposing tear off the bench, Whiteside actually made a sudden return to the starting lineup on Sunday. Partly thanks to his 18 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks, the Heat crushed the Magic 118-96.

Harrison Barnes has finally heated up again and his improved shooting spell couldn’t have come at a better time. In the Warriors’ hot pursuit for NBA history and 73 wins, Barnes has become somewhat of an afterthought.

After missing 16 games through December due to injury, he’s returned with a few cold spells including most of March. From the 1st of the month till the 23rd, he averaged a mere nine points per game, shooting 37.8 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent from three. He’s a key piece in the Warriors’ championship unit for his energy, defense, and shooting with the way he can help space the floor as a combo forward, and rediscovering his offensive game has been key.

Now, over the last 10 games, he’s averaged 13.8 points on 50.9 percent shooting, turning around his three-point percentage to 40.9. And with two 20-point games last week including 21 in the first win over the Spurs, Barnes is finding some new momentum for the playoffs. If it continues, he’ll once again be an important factor and energizer for the Warriors whenever the star shooters need some help.

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