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The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard

I’m going with a total wild card here, because such is the state of the Blazers’ bench these days. With Wesley Matthews done for the season and Arron Afflalo dealing with an ailing shoulder, Portland will be in desperate need of bench production.

C.J. McCollum is the obvious choice, but against a bruising Grizzlies frontcourt, it felt appropriate to select a big who can attempt to spread the floor. Leonard came on late in the season with the team dealing with injuries, averaging 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in nine April games — by far his best numbers for any month this season.

Leonard wasn’t utilized often this season, but games like his 24-point game against the Oklahoma City Thunder show he can make the most of his minutes when he gets them. Was he used more often down the stretch because Portland had little to play for? Sure. But he’s also shot 36 percent from three-point range over the last few months.

For an injury-battered team, that ability to spread the defense could come in handy against a Grizzlies team that doesn’t make very many threes. Meyers Leonard, savior of Portland’s second unit? He might have to be if the Blazers want to advance.

Next: Chicago Bulls