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#3 Cameron Payne (Phoenix Suns)
Cameron Payne is probably the most significant role player from either team in the NBA Finals. The point guard is pretty much the coach on the floor, as can be seen by the leadership of veteran guard Chris Paul. Payne will be tasked with taking over from CP3 when the latter hits the bench.
Chris Paul is just three games away from winning his first NBA title, but there has always been that cloud looming over him concerning his fitness. Cameron Payne has already had to step up in Paul's absence during the 2021 playoffs. Payne recorded a combined 18 assists with just one turnover in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals against the LA Clippers, which Paul had to miss due to COVID.
Cam Payne will aim to provide energy and smart playmaking off the bench. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns paired Payne with either Paul or Devin Booker, which allowed them to keep one natural passer on the floor at all times. Payne can also use his pace to finish at the rim. He's an excellent free-throw shooter, making 93.8% of his attempts from the line in the 2021 playoffs.
#4 PJ Tucker (Milwaukee Bucks)
Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo rose to the occasion in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, we cannot forget that he is still recovering from a knee injury. To limit the wear and tear on Antetokounmpo's knee, the Milwaukee Bucks will look to PJ Tucker to be more of a threat on both ends of the court.
While his production suggests that he can only play a limited role, Tucker has the ability to impact the game in ways that do not appear on the stat sheet. With his energy, hustle and toughness, Tucker can be more of a presence inside the paint to trouble the Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, who had 19 rebounds in the NBA Finals opener.
Offensively, PJ Tucker can be a potent spot-up shooter from the perimeter. He's shot corner threes at an accuracy of 37.9% throughout his career. If his teammates can create more looks for him, Tucker can be a significant offensive weapon for the Milwaukee Bucks throughout the NBA Finals.
#5 Cameron Johnson (Phoenix Suns)
Cameron Johnson can be the wild card for the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. Whether it's knocking down a big shot in a clutch moment or coming up with a key defensive stop, Johnson has the ability to do it all.
Coming out of the University of North Carolina, Cameron Johnson was seen by many as the best shooter in the 2019 NBA Draft class. He's proving those assumptions to be true by shooting 50.6% from the field, 45.5% from downtown and 88.9% from the free-throw line in the ongoing playoffs.
At 6'8" and 210 lbs, Johnson can shoot from deep but is also known for his slashing and cutting abilities. He can defend multiple positions and is also a decent rebounder. He's played a limited role in the 2021 NBA Finals, but he can step up if needed or if one of the main guys suffers an injury.
Also read: Top 5 players who can be the 2021 NBA Finals MVP
