At the halfway mark of the NBA season, all of the teams who were expected to be at the top of the standings are right where they were expected to be. In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics, Heat, Bulls and Magic occupy the top four spots. In the Western Conference, we have the Spurs, Lakers, Hornets and Thunder. With the exception of the Hornets, there are really no big surprises in either conference.
Let’s assume there will not be a monumental upset, and one of these teams will advance from each conference. With that being said, each of these teams has at least one player who needs to step up their game to better their team’s chances come playoff time. So, which players are on the hot seat to step up their game to help these title hopeful teams?
Nate Robinson/Boston Celtics– With the exception of Big Baby, the Celtics’ weakest link is their bench. Primarily their back-up guards. No one can deny the energy Robinson brings to the game, but his overall play is still very much hit or miss. Robinson will have to be more consistent come playoff time to provide the Celtics a much needed shot in the arm off the pine.
Mike Miller/Miami Heat– Miller sat out a good portion of the first half of the season with an injured thumb. Since coming back to the lineup in late December, Miller has struggled to find his rhythm. However, Saturday night against the Raptors, Miller exploded for 32 points in 32 minutes. If Miller can put up more games like the one Saturday night, the Heat could be even more dangerous than they are now come playoff time.
Hedo Turkoglu/Orlando Magic– After disappointing stints with the Raptors and Suns, Turkoglu found his way back to Orlando after a December trade with the Phoenix Suns. After helping lead the Magic to the 2009 Finals, it appears Turkoglu has found his old touch in Orlando. Since coming back to Orlando, Turkoglu has been a much better player. In addition, the Magic have played much better basketball. If Turkoglu keeps his resurgence going, along with the dominating play of Dwight Howard, the Magic have a legitimate shot of winning the Eastern Conference.
Luol Deng/Chicago Bulls– With Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer both missing time due to injury, Derrick Rose has been left to man the ship in Chicago. With the injuries to his frontcourt teammates, Derrick Rose has become a one man show in Chicago. At this point, Rose is in desperate need of a backcourt teammate who can score the ball, with or without Boozer and Noah in the lineup. If the Bulls don’t make a move at the trade deadline, Deng is the prime candidate to fill the scoring void. If he steps and contributes 12-15 points a night, the Bulls go from a good team to a great team.
Shawn Marion/Dallas Mavericks– The Mavericks have been in a rut lately with an injured Dirk Nowitzki, and Caron Butler going out with a season ending knee injury. This puts more pressure on Marion to pick up some of the slack. If Marion is unable to provide more for the Mavericks, Dallas could headed for another early playoff exit. With that being said, don’t be surprised if Mark Cuban shakes things up at the trade deadline.
Ron Artest/Los Angeles Lakers– Last season, Artest’s tenacious defense and clutch shooting were instrumental in the Lakers winning their second straight championship. This season, Artest is having his worst statistical season on the offensive end. In addition, his defensive prowess has seemed to slip as well. The Lakers will need Artest to step up all areas of his game if they want to send Phil Jackson into retirement with his fourth three-peat.
Jeff Green/Oklahoma City Thunder– At times, Green seems as though he is stuck in limbo playing with Durant and Westbrook. Green is a great player, but it almost seems as though there is not enough shots to go around to truly utilize his full potential. Green will have to find his niche come playoff time for the Thunder to be truly contend for the Larry O’Brien trophy. If not, it may be time to trade Green for an established post presence.
Manu Ginobili/San Antonio Spurs– Ginobili is fully healthy for the first time in years. Therefore, he is arguably having the best season of his career. With an aging Tim Duncan, Ginobili is the backbone to the Spurs’ 38-7 start this season. If Ginobili is able to keep the injury bug away, the Spurs are primed for a deep playoff run. If not, expect the Spurs to fade quickly.
Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.
