NBA: 5 players with the most to prove heading into the postseason

Taking a closer look at five players with the most to prove heading into the NBA Playoffs. 

It’s finally here. After a mixed bag of play-in games (plus one more this Friday night) and the NBA Playoffs are finally here. A strange, pandemic-ridden-season including one team playing in Tampa instead of their home in Canada has ended with mostly success.

But now, the playoffs. Not in a bubble-like last time, but with real live fans in a real live arena. I imagine we’re in for quite a ride. A lot of teams are considering themselves title contenders and have a lot to live up to.

That goes for the players vying for ‘best in the league’ status. In this article we’re going to examine the five players with the most to prove in the playoffs. In no particular order, sorry to disappoint.

NBA players with the most to prove: Julius Randle, New York Knicks

Settle down, New York Knicks fans. Julius Randle has been an absolute monster this year. With all the injuries and absences in stars this year, it is no stretch of the imagination to say he has been top 12 in most important. Oh, and he’s a shoo-in for Most Improved Player (and All-NBA we hope). You know he’s never been in the playoffs?

It’s only been five years in the league so it’s not entirely surprising considering the rosters he was on. I’m not saying Randle needs to be MVP form or it’s a bust but as New York’s “guy,” you would like to see him translate his regular-season dominance into the playoffs. He has a great opportunity to do so in the first round against a Hawks team that has NO real defensive options for him.

Randle’s in no danger of being traded or even close, New York loves him. You will see questions about the Knicks needing more star power should he flounder, though.