13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts – Emerging Stars

This week the focus is on emerging stars of the 2024 NBA playoffs!

Emerging Stars of the 2024 NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference

1. The Cleveland Cavaliers may have lost the series to the Boston Celtics but they may have found something for their future. Evan Mobley stepped up in a big way on offense. Mobley has always been a very good defender. He was much improved offensively something the Cavs have been waiting to see. If he continues to grow offensively the Cavs will have some decisions to make with Jarrett Allen.
2. On the topic of much improved take a good look at Derrick White. I know everyone is talking about him as really good but the area I’m most impressed with is his ability to make a play either offensively or defensively especially in the fourth quarter when the Celtics need it.
3. When we talk about much improved only one player stands out as very very much improved and that’s Jalen Brunson. With the NBA Combine going on and people speaking about shuttle times and jumping ability they forget something important. Brunson has two major intangibles you can’t measure desire and heart. Brunson has made himself a superstar through hard work and the heart of a champion. It also doesn’t hurt to have his attitude. He is humble and coachable. How did Dallas fail to sign him.
4. If Josh Hart is out Sunday in game 7 the Pacers have a good shot to win the series. I would think he’d try to play but who knows how well he can play. When I think about who will win I think about what I just wrote about Brunson and the fact the Knicks are playing in the Garden. I’ll take the Knicks.

Emerging Stars of the 2024 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference

1. How can you predict the Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves game 7? The series has been unpredictable. Both teams have won two games on the other team’s home court. I think you have to like Denver because they are home and they have the best player, Nikola Jokic.
2. The Dallas Mavericks are the little engine that could. They keep getting better as they climb the hill. They have found the missing link, defense. Even Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are playing it.
3. I want to like the Oklahoma City Thunder. I know that team has a great future and will be a contender for a while but their lack of size has hurt them. If they can go out and get a decent big man look out. Chet Holmgren at this stage of his career cannot bang with other bigs.