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#3 Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin was one of the most surprisingly effective veterans during the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
The former LA Clippers star managed to capitalize on the opportunity to play in a starting role and flourished for the Brooklyn Nets. His performances had glimpses of his 'Lob-City' days, which have made him turn his fortunes around massively.
Griffin was seen as a damaged good at the trade deadline in March, as the Detroit Pistons failed to find a trade partner for him. He was owed roughly $32 million in the 2021-22 NBA season and $30 million in the 2022-23 NBA season, which was a huge stumbling block.
His time with the Pistons was replete with injuries and inconsistent performances. The franchise eventually bought him out, and he signed with the Brooklyn Nets on a minimum contract till the end of the season.
Blake Griffin hadn't dunked in over two years but ended that drought in his debut game for the Nets. From there o,n he continued to improve and turned into an impact player, which took everyone by surprise. The series against the Milwaukee Bucks led to an increase in his market value.
Griffin averaged 12 points, 7.7 rebounds and a steal, shooting 54% from the floor and 40% from the three-point line in the seven-game series against the Bucks.
He did a terrific job defensively against Giannis Antetokounmpo and made several dive-first plays, doing whatever it took to help his team win the series. Griffin played 30.9 minutes per game, showing he still has the potential to play for a contending team.
#2 Cameron Payne
Cameron Payne is one of the unsung heroes in the Phoenix Suns' run to the 2021 NBA Finals. The point guard's impact and confidence on the big stage have been a treat to watch. He helped the team through adversity and did a commendable job of filling in for veteran Chris Paul during the postseason.
Payne's energy and ability to flourish as a team player is something several teams must have kept an eye on. He is averaging 10.1 points on 36.4% three-point shooting, playing close to 20 minutes per game in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
In the series against the LA Lakers, when Chris Paul wasn't fully fit for several games, Payne stepped up to the occasion, averaging 12.5 points and 1.2 steals on 40% three-point shooting.
In the recently-concluded Western Conference Finals against the LA Clippers, Payne scored a career-best 29 points and nine assists in Game 2 in CP3's absence. Payne can play a supporting role or take up a leading role with ease, which makes him a solid player to have. So it wouldn't be a surprise to see a huge market for him this off-season.
#1 Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson had a mixed regular-season campaign, but he turned it around in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
He averaged a whopping 17.8 points per game in the postseason and was key in helping the side make their debut NBA Conference Finals appearance. He played a solid cameo with Paul George in the absence of Kawhi Leonard and was even promoted to a full-time starting role as the postseason progressed.
Jackson had nine 20-point games throughout the playoffs and shot 40% from downtown and 48% from the field. He made an impressive 58 three-pointers in the postseason and ranked third for minutes played by a player in the ongoing 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Reggie Jackson's staggering numbers will likely fetch him a huge contract this summer, which the LA Clippers may not be able to afford unless Jackson takes a pay cut and decides to stay on with the team.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
