5 Role Players Who Can Make a Difference in the NBA Finals
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It is no secret to anyone that Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are called to be the big stars of these 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics, in addition to other elements of the caliber of Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Marcus Smart and Al Horford will have no less important roles in their currencies; however, there will be role players who could make a surprise difference for both Steve Kerr’s and Ime Udoka’s squads.
1. Jordan Poole
By far, the point guard is the biggest offensive talent to come off the bench in every NBA Finals. He averaged 18.5 points per game in the regular season and 18.4 in the recent playoffs. Poole means instant offense for Golden State and pure oxygen for Steve Kerr when Curry and/or Thompson need to rest.
2. Robert Williams
The Celtics center has gone further in a postseason that started hurt, reaping an average of 2.5 points per game in the first round against Brooklyn, 8.7 points against Milwaukee and 9.2 against Miami in the Eastern Conference Final, in addition to an immense defensive work in the key against stellar internals of the caliber of Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee). Bobby Portis (Milwaukee) and Bam Adebayo (Miami) in the last two series; consequently, the work he can do defending Draymond Green or Kevon Looney in the paint, would pass part of the key in favor of Boston wearing the ring of league champion.
3. Otto Porter Jr.
This forward also has remarkable virtues in attack (great outside shot); however, a foot injury limited him to just 54 minutes in the entire Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks; therefore, his usefulness for Kerr in the NBA Finals will depend on how much he is physically recovered.
4. Derrick White
This forward also has remarkable virtues in attack (great outside shot); however, a foot injury limited him to just 54 minutes in the entire Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks; therefore, his usefulness for Kerr in the NBA Finals will depend on how much he is physically recovered.
5. Kevon Looney
The center raised the level considerably during the Western Conference Finals collecting 10.6 units per game, with 10.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. A factor as preponderant as surprising in the route to these NBA Finals for the Golden State Warriors, who hope that this center can collaborate with similar features and thus win a new ring.
