Star-power trumps depth in the NBA Playoffs. Sure, being able to go 9 or 10 players deep is cool, but what really matters is finding top-rotation stars who can contribute night in and night out during these crucial weeks. Teams find themselves asking less about depth, more about, “Who can swing this series for me?”
Every franchise is looking for the x-factor: the guy who isn’t the star of your team, but plays a significant role in determining whether or not your team succeeds or fails. The label falls onto the role players and near-stars, giving them a chance to shine.