1. Trevor Ariza
It’s pretty easy to predict that Trevor Ariza could be a factor in a deep playoff run, because he is currently doing just that for the Houston Rockets. Ariza may not be one of the three or four most important Rockets, but his defensive versatility has really helped Houston as long as he’s been there.
Ariza posted 11.7 points per game this past season while shooting 41.2 percent from the field and nailing 36.8 percent of his 3-point shots. His defense is probably Ariza’s biggest strength though, as his mix of size and speed allows him to switch just about any screen he wants to.
The Rockets would certainly love to keep Ariza, but that could be difficult with both Chris Paul and Clint Capela needing new contracts this summer. As great as he is at playing his role, Houston is not making a title run without one or both of Paul and Capela. They’re two of the Rockets’ big three.
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Whether he ends up staying or going, expect Ariza to continue to impact really important basketball games. He may not be the biggest name in the world, but Trevor Ariza helps good teams get even better, and that’s incredibly valuable in a seven-game series.