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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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Apr 10, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) during second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Brooklyn Nets: Thaddeus Young

To be honest, I didn’t even want to pick an X-factor for this Nets team. The fact that they’re even in the playoffs and, subsequently, that I have to watch them for at least four playoff games, depresses me in the worst way. Their inclusion is the epitome of why we need some damn playoff reform already.

But since I have to pick somebody, I’ll go with Thaddeus Young. Because if it weren’t for him, the Nets probably wouldn’t even be in the playoffs. (So yeah, thanks for that, Thad.) His scoring is down since joining Brooklyn, but his efficiency has shot up, increasing his field goal percentage from 45.1 percent with the Minnesota Timberwolves to 49.5 percent with the Nets.

Young will also be important because at the power forward position, he’ll be doing battle with Paul Millsap, one of the most important players for the Atlanta Hawks. Millsap is dealing with a sore shoulder, so it’s Young’s job to take it to Atlanta’s banged up power forward whenever he can.

The Nets don’t have a shot in hell of winning this series (and I’m personally praying we’re only subjected to four games of this cruel and unusual punishment entertainment), but they have gone 17-13 since acquiring him. All in all, it’ll take a heck of a series from Thaddeus Young to make things interesting.

Next: New Orleans Pelicans