Not every player is made for the playoffs. Some raise to the occasion, others crumble to the pressure and don’t perform the same way they usually do. It’s always been like that and that’s not likely to change any time soon.
For most stars, you’d expect a certain type of performance in the playoffs, so it’s not surprising to see players such as Jayson Tatum or Luka Doncic post huge numbers in the postseason.
However, that’s not the case with other young studs. Players who are often overlooked, ignored, or even doubted. That’s why today, we’re going to shed some light on 5 young players that have exceeded all expectations during the first round of the playoffs.
5. Rui Hachimura
14.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.8 3PG, 61.7% FG
While Rui Hachimura may never become the ‘Giannis Antetokounmpo 2.0’ some scouts argue he’d be, he’s rounding up into a very good all-around player for the Washington Wizards.
Quietly, Hachimura was one of the most efficient scorers of the playoffs thus far. His mid-range game has improved significantly and he was quite aggressive on both ends of the glass. The future seems bright for him.
4. Bryn Forbes
15.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.0 3PG, 52.5% FG
When you outscore Jimmy Butler in a playoff series then you must be doing something right. And while Butler was way below his usual averages, we still have to give Bryn Forbes a lot of credit for the way he’s shooting the basketball.
Forbes became Steph Curry 2.0 during the first-round sweep, knocking down three-pointer after three-pointer from everywhere beyond the arc. He’s an efficient shooter and will be a huge factor for the Bucks with Donte DiVincenzo out for the season.
3. Dillon Brooks
25.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.6 3PG, 51.5% FG
We all knew that Dillon Brooks could play defense and score but he took both of those things to a whole new level in the play-in and the playoffs. He was pesky, savvy, and a complete nightmare in the defensive end, while also putting up 25+.
Jonas Valanciunas was quite underwhelming in the playoffs but Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks made sure to keep the Grizzlies in contention. He’s going to get paid big time when his time comes.
2. Deandre Ayton
17.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 80% FG
People have mocked and questioned Deandre Ayton since his rookie year. Even though he’s always posted solid numbers, his defense hasn’t always been on point. Well, that hasn’t been the case in the playoffs.
Ayton has made the most of his physicality on both ends of the floor. He’s outplayed Anthony Davis for most of the season, getting whatever he wants in the paint and establishing his presence as a rim protector as well. We now see the upside and potential he showed in college.
1. Trae Young
29.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 9.6 APG, 2.8 3PG
It’s not a surprise to see Trae Young putting up big numbers. Then again, people tend to compare him to Luka Doncic, criticize his defense, and say that he’s not efficient enough to lead the Hawks to playoff contention.
Well, I believe he’s done enough to silence all of his critics. Young was simply ruthless to the New York Knicks. He showed all his repertoire and made a fool of defenders with his pesky moves, his floater, and his ability to pull up from everywhere on the floor. Young has proven to be tailor-made for these kinds of moments.
