No NBA star can win on his own. Even Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen, and LeBron James needed Dwyane Wade to win a championship. Rarely can a team win a title without a true No.2. One example to think of is the 2011 Dallas Mavericks, who had a bunch of role players alongside Dirk Nowitzki. Sometimes, NBA Robins can turn into Batmans. For example, last year, Jaylen Brown was the Finals MVP, despite Jayson Tatum being widely regarded as the best player on the Celtics. With that in mind, with four teams remaining, who has the best No.2 option? Let’s take a look.
Battle of the Robins: Ranking Best No. 2 in NBA Conference Finals
When we talk about the best Robins in the NBA, we have to take into consideration their experience, skill set, age, and versatility. We are not ranking them on potential, but right now, who is the best second option?
4) Jalen Williams
Consistency is the key for Jalen Williams to become a true second option. He is a great player, and there is no doubt he is only scratching the surface of his potential. Last year, he struggled against the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference Finals. This year, in the semifinals, he went through a slump from Game 4 to Game 6. Thankfully, Williams responded with a great Game 7. For the Thunder to have any chance at a championship, J-Dub must play like he did in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets.
3) Pascal Siakam
The Indiana Pacers are winning with a team effort. They might be the deepest team in the playoffs. Pascal Siakam might not average 20+ points, but he has a championship experience on his side.
To be fair, Siakam is having quite an amazing playoff so far. He was quiet against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, but the Pacers didn’t need him much. His best game was Game 4, when he posted 21 points on 9-10 shooting. That type of efficiency will be crucial against the New York Knicks.
2) Karl-Anthony Towns
We can now safely say that both the Timberwolves and Knicks won their summer trade. Karl-Anthony Towns found his stride in New York, while Julius Randle is a huge reason Minnesota made it to the Western Conference Finals.
KAT’s production has dipped a bit in the playoffs, mostly in his three-point efficiency. We will have to wait and see which Towns appears in the Conference Finals. Will he be as aggressive as he was against the Boston Celtics in Game 6? Or will he settle for jump shots? That will be the difference between the Knicks advancing to the Finals or not.
1) Julius Randle
We cannot be prisoners of the moment. However, we have to admit that Randle is having a revenge tour in these playoffs. It looks like he is vindicating all of his previous demons. Of all the NBA Robins on this list, Randle is averaging the most points so far, 23.9 on 51% shooting. Will his hot streak continue against the OKC Thunder? They have two big men who can legitimately guard him, unlike the small Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
We also have to admit Randle has had letdowns in the postseason. Two years ago, he completely disappeared in the playoffs and was a huge reason the Knicks lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Miami Heat. He already has four games of 25+ points, and looks like a reliable second option alongside Anthony Edwards.
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