NBA Postseason: Rookies with Chance to Make Impact

At the NBA level, it's somewhat rare for first-year players to contribute in the postseason. However, there's always a handful of rookies that are in the right situation to get minutes for their respective team this time of year.

This season, there's upwards of ten rookies that could at least take the court in a small role over the course of the postseason. It's a strong class with depth from top to bottom, meaning even the teams that didn't have an early pick have legitimate rookie contributors.

Whether it be this week in the play-in or next during the true playoffs, let’s take a look at five rookies with a chance to make an impact in some capacity during the postseason.

Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Williams is probably the best rookie in the entire postseason, but there’s a chance it’s short lived. The Thunder are the No. 10 seed and on the road against the Pelicans as part of the play-in.

There’s no question he will be a key piece in that game, but it will take two wins from Oklahoma City if we want to see Williams play in a seven-game series.

Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings)

One of the best offenses in recent history has gotten nice contributions from Murray, who is one of the best rookies in this class. He’s able to impact both ends of the floor with his 6-foot-8 frame and is a sniper from beyond the arc.

Sacramento has a tough first round matchup against Golden State and will need legitimate contributions from Murray. That’s a tall task for a rookie, but he should be up to the challenge.

AJ Griffin (Atlanta Hawks)

With the Hawks slated to have a chance to make the playoffs, they’ll need efficient production from their rookie. Griffin likely wont play a ton of minutes, but should have an opportunity to come in for a brief stint.

As a spark off the bench, Griffin could be someone that shoots Atlanta out of a slump. Especially if the Hawks move onto the playoffs, he will continue to be a solid piece of the rotation.

Christian Braun (Denver Nuggets)

Some rookies come in and immediately impact winning at a high level. That’s the case with Braun, who has been important for the Nuggets this season.

While he may not be a nightly rotation piece, there will absolutely be games in the playoffs in which he takes the court. In terms of rookies you feel good about not making many mistakes in the postseason, he’s near the top of the list.

Jaylin Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)

A second-round pick, Williams has been forced into the starting center role for the Thunder with how many injuries they’ve faced. In their play-in matchup against the Pelicans, he’ll be tasked with taking on Jonah Valanciunas.

While he doesn’t project to be a starter for Oklahoma City beyond this season, he does space the floor well which allows the Thunder to attack the rim more effectively. In fact, he’s shooting better than 40% from deep this season. Williams should play a huge role in the postseason as a rookie, even if it's just in one contest.

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