Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 players facing the most pressure

By Cody Williams

Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reaches for the ball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reaches for the ball against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Fans and Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts on the court during the second half of the Boston Celtics 112-108 win over the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Fans and Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts on the court during the second half of the Boston Celtics 112-108 win over the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Isaiah Thomas — Boston Celtics

This might appear like a weird inclusion on this list. On the surface, anything that Isaiah Thomas does in the playoffs will be gravy. After being doubted because of his size for essentially hist entire life, Thomas established himself as a bonafide star this season. What’s more, Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics can in part take the blame for any postseason failures of the team. They had the assets (again) to make a ploy for another star at the trade deadline, but didn’t get a deal done.

While that may be so, what Thomas does in this postseason is going to be a critical statement as to what the future holds for both him and the Celtics. No one can take away his late-game heroics during the 2016-17 regular season. He’s been both productive and efficient as a scorer in a way that few players in the league are capable of.

However, it’s also important to recall that Thomas has been quite awful in the playoffs over the past two years with Boston. In 10 games, the diminutive point guard has averaged 21.5 points and 5.8 assists per game, but with an abysmal 51.7 true shooting percentage along the way (Basketball-Reference). He’s been overmatched by bigger defenders and not been able to create in the ways that make him special when it comes to the playoffs.

Sure, that could change this season given the uptick in his production in the regular season. But then again, it could be something that plagues him for his career. Whether it’s fair or not, these playoffs could decide that for him. In turn, they could also decide whether Thomas is ever truly considered a star in this league and if he can be a cornerstone for the Celtics moving forward.