Who Are the Top 10 Stars Out of the NBA Second-Round Playoffs?

10) Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

Paul George has spent multiple seasons in Los Angeles, a dream come true for the California native. However, after constantly falling short in the postseason and the team’s inability to agree to an extension with George, the versatile forward could be a big name on the free agency market this summer. Nonetheless, George has consistently been a more than solid playoff performer in his career, averaging 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in his postseason career. Not having George in the playoffs the rest of the way will be disappointing, but he’ll have the chance to find his way back.

1) LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James and the Lakers struggled all season to find consistency as a team. At their best, LA was one of the most dangerous teams in the league. However, at their worst, they were a team lucky to even make the postseason. Nonetheless, James led his team to the playoffs with a first-round matchup against the reigning champions, the Nuggets. James averaged 27.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.8 rebounds in the series, but even his heroics weren’t enough to outlast Denver, who won the series 4-1. Now, James enters the offseason with a big decision to make about his future in Los Angeles.

2) Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry may be the biggest names who missed the playoffs. The two-time MVP and the Warriors fell short in the play-in tournament against the Kings, ultimately ending their season in April. Not having Curry in the postseason is a loss of its own, but with Golden State likely to reshape its roster in the offseason, the Dubs hope to return to their winning ways next season.

3) Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid was in the midst of a historic season before suffering a knee injury in the middle of the season. The reigning MVP opted to rehab and risk further injuring himself by coming back to help his team make a championship run. Philly earned the seventh seed in the East after a play-in win over the Heat, but the team ultimately earned themselves a date with the No. 2 seed in the Knicks. Although Embiid wasn’t healthy, he still finished the series averaging 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks despite losing to New York in six games.

4) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were among the championship favorites entering the season after the addition of Damian Lillard. However, after an up-and-down season and coaching controversy, when Milwaukee seemed to be finding its stride, the former MVP suffered a calf strain in one of the last regular-season games. Antetokounmpo missed the postseason after the Bucks were upset by a young and feisty Pacers squad. Now, Bucks fans will have to wait another year to see how dangerous Milwaukee’s new duo can be fully healthy. 

5) Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

Entering the season, another championship contender that many people were looking at was the Phoenix Suns. With the new trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns, on paper, had arguably one of the most talented rosters in the league. However, after injury woes and a struggle to build chemistry, Phoenix was the first team to find out just how good a fully healthy Timberwolves team is. After being swept in round one, Durant will have to wait another year to see if he can lead the Suns over the hump.

6) Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers seem to be dealing with the same story every season. Los Angeles makes their mark in the regular season, enough to make the postseason, but by the time the playoffs come, the Clips get hit with another injury. Leonard’s playoff run was cut short for the second straight year due to an injury. It will be interesting to see how well the Clippers can perform if Leonard can stay healthy for a whole postseason run.

7) Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard was the topic of the offseason after requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. After landing with the Bucks, adding Lillard put Milwaukee in the conversation to win the NBA championship. Unfortunately, the loss of Antetokounmpo and an Achilles injury to Lillard cut the team's postseason short. Now, Lillard joins the other 23 teams that wait for next season to prove themselves.

8) Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Anthony Davis has seemingly dealt with injuries since he joined the Lakers. The big man, when healthy, is undoubtedly one of the best centers in the league. And with LA this season, he proved just that. Davis ended the series against Denver by averaging 27.8 points, 15.6 rebounds, four assists, 3.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks in five games. If the Lakers can get this version of the Kentucky product all season long next year, Los Angeles could be in a much better position next year around this time.

9) Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker is yet another talented player who was sent home in the first round of the playoffs. The Sun's guard averaged 27.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals against Minnesota in round one. However, the Wolves managed to outlast the young star's impressive play and send Booker and his squad back to the drawing board.

10) Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

Paul George has spent multiple seasons in Los Angeles, a dream come true for the California native. However, after constantly falling short in the postseason and the team’s inability to agree to an extension with George, the versatile forward could be a big name on the free agency market this summer. Nonetheless, George has consistently been a more than solid playoff performer in his career, averaging 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in his postseason career. Not having George in the playoffs the rest of the way will be disappointing, but he’ll have the chance to find his way back.