SI.com - Bubble boys: These players are key on borderline playoff hopefuls

[Warhawk]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jack_mccallum/11/09/key.players/index.html

By Jack McCallum


Let's make this clear: It's too early to start talking about the playoffs. But certain teams enter the season on the playoff bubble, their sights set not on the title (no matter what they say) but on just getting the chance to play in May.
For this week's five-pack, then, let's take a look at five of those teams, along with a player from each who might be slightly off the radar but who will be important if that team is to qualify.


Sacramento Kings

Well, the golden era in Sacramento is over -- OK, it lasted only about three seasons -- and this is a team that will struggle to get the seventh or eighth spot in the West. But the Kings could still do some damage partly because of Kevin Martin's play.
Martin is one of those out-of-nowhere guys -- actually, he's from Western Carolina -- who could be on the verge of becoming an elite player. He has become the Kings' Mr. Reliable, averaging almost 40 minutes and leading the team in scoring with 23.4 points per game -- he put 30 on the Detroit Pistons in a 99-86 win on Wednesday night -- and shooting percentage at 54.2 And it isn't easy finding yourself on a team dominated by the way-out-there personality of Ron Artest and the shoot-it-first-last-and-always style of Mike Bibby.


Others mentioned are:
Luke Walton
Mehmet Okur
Samuel Dalembert
Zaza Pachulia

 

[Troy]

Way to go Kevin. I really see him having a breakout year. We need him so bad to get us points in this lock down type Defense we are trying to mold outselves into. Also when Ron, K9, Miller (when he comes back) have their shots fall we will be good. I don't know why they mention these others guys, Kevin is so new to the NBA and is really looking to become a house hold name in the near future. It's awesome being around that, especially because he is on the Kings, we saw him grow up (we drafted him), and he as a late 1st rounder (26th pick), so it's awesome seeing us get such greatness out of such a late pick. It's also cool to see other teams kick themselves for not picking Kevin when they had the chance before our # came up. All I can say to those teams is:

 

[VF21]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jack_mccallum/11/09/key.players/index.html...And it isn't easy finding yourself on a team dominated by the way-out-there personality of Ron Artest and the shoot-it-first-last-and-always style of Mike Bibby.

I liked the comments about Kevin. It's a shame they had to be included with that drivel.