10 NBA Players To Watch In The Season’s Second Half

The second half of the 2012-2013 NBA season is well underway, and now that we crossed the trade deadline, all the speculation of who’s moving can stop. From here on out, you’ll have to rely on the guys lining your depth chart. While some may be relieved that their favorite player wasn’t moved or that their team’s core wasn’t broken up, others may be worried that they don’t have enough to overcome the league’s top tier squads.

With a few changes to some key contenders and significant difference makers returning from injuries, the landscape is sure to get dicey as we move closer to the postseason. If the first half were any indication, we’re in for some drama-filled months ahead.

Here’s my take on the most important players as we chug along towards April.

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DWIGHT HOWARD
First Half Stats: 16.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG
D12 has been the focal point of the relentless criticism directed at the Lakers’ sub-par first half. While he hasn’t been playing poor by any standards, he hasn’t had the impact that many thought he’d bring over from Orlando. From Kobe to columnists, many have voiced their dissatisfaction with Howard’s seemingly apathetic attitude on the court.

After a tumultuous few months in Lakerland that saw everything from hasty coaching changes to the death of their legendary owner Jerry Buss, the purple and gold now sit just three games out of the eighth seed. If they want to make a serious run at the final spot, and if Howard wants to refute his critics, the big man will have to return to his dominant form. At just 27, the athleticism should still be there, but the question of his dedication to victory still stands.

The Lakers front office also must decide what to do with Howard’s expiring contract. General Manager Mitch Kupchak has already made it clear that he wants Dwight to be the future of this team post-Kobe, but is that feeling mutual? It should be interesting to see how their negotiations develop in the coming months.

DANNY GRANGER
First Half Stats: N/A
With the emergence of All-Star Paul George as the new face of the Pacers franchise, Granger’s role with the team has been a huge question mark in the wake of his return from a knee injury. The Pacers have proven they’re a dangerous squad without contributions from their leading scorer of the past five seasons, so does Granger’s presence take Indiana to even greater heights, or will he spoil the chemistry that has powered the Pacers to the No. 2 spot in the East?

Granger’s best years are behind him. His scoring averages and field goal percentage have dropped each of the past four seasons, and when you couple that with the injuries he’s piled up over the years, you can assume he’s beginning to accept a new role in Indiana. If the Pacers can find a way for Granger to ease back into the rotation while still appeasing the budding star in George, Danny’s return makes this team a whole lot scarier.

JORDAN CRAWFORD
First Half Stats: 12.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, .413 percent FG
A change of scenery might just be what Crawford needs to finally show everyone how good he thinks he is. A few years after telling The Washington Post‘s Michael Lee that he feels he’s a better player than MJ, the guy best known for dunking on LeBron will now don green and white for the Celtics after being traded from the lowly Wizards last week. Boston pried the 24-year-old guard from Washington for peanuts and now have another worthy scorer who can fill it up with ease.

Having played for a cellar-dwelling franchise for the entirety of his short career, a new, more optimistic environment could do wonders for Crawford’s development. He’s a nice addition to a team who’re playing surprisingly well since the loss of star guard Rajon Rondo to a torn ACL, and he has the tools, and apparently the confidence, to help the C’s come playoff time.

JOE JOHNSON
First Half Stats: 17 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.6 APG
Iso-Joe’s highs have been incredibly high, but his lows have been pretty low. After Johnson was traded to Brooklyn in the offseason, expectations for the Nets were raised following a few rough years before ditching New Jersey. It was anticipated that Johnson would provide a great complement to Deron Williams in a heralded backcourt.

The former Hawk hasn’t been terrible for New York’s new team, but there have been too many nights where his shot doesn’t fall and his impact is diminished. When Johnson is on, the Nets have the potential to go blow-for-blow with some of the league’s best, and with D-Will playing hurt down the stretch, Brooklyn needs him to start playing his game more consistently.

ANDREW BOGUT
First Half Stats: 7.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.6 BPG
The Aussie big man has only suited up for 12 games this season thanks to an ankle injury, but his presence on the court is vital if Golden State wants to matchup well with other teams in the West. Bogut’s defense has always been his strong suit, and with David Lee carrying the scoring load inside, the Warriors look to their veteran center to be a stopper inside the paint.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, Bogut’s health is always a question mark. Right now, he’s out indefinitely with back spasms while Golden State partakes in a tough five-game road trip. The Bay Area ballers could use some tough interior defense, as they rank just 17th in defensive efficiency this year.

DAMIAN LILLARD
First Half Stats: 18.3 PPG, 6.5 APG, 86 percent FT
He’s turning in one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory and is almost a lock for the hardware halfway through the season. Portland can’t ask for much more from their young guard, who is clearly the most impressive newcomer in the league. Lillard has much more to learn, but since he’s transitioning so fluidly into the league you can’t help but be excited for what this guy has in store.

With virtually no bench to cushion Lillard and the rest of the squad, the Trail Blazers have found themselves on the outside looking in. I’m interested to see how Damian and the rest of this team handle the adversity of climbing back into the hunt, and if the rookie can continue to improve defensively to further elevate his game.

JOSH SMITH
First Half Stats: 17.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG 2.0 BPG
Now that we can put all the trade rumors to rest and begin speculating on J Smoove’s next move, it should be intriguing to watch how the Atlanta big man performs with a new contract on the horizon. He believes he deserves a ticket to the max-deal club, so his play must be stellar if he expects a team to shell out for him.

The Hawks are another squad right in the thick of the Eastern Conference standings, currently sitting on the four seed. If Smith can lead them deep into the playoffs, you can bet teams will be more liberal with their wallets. But if the 27-year-old forward doesn’t produce and the Hawks falter, he better temper his expectations for his new deal.

KAWHI LEONARD
First Half Stats: 10.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG .485 percent FG
Leonard has been showered with praise in his sophomore season while showing glimpses of star potential. When your legendary coach says that you’ll one day be the face of an extremely successful franchise, it’s obvious you have a lot to look forward to.

Leonard, a bit more under the radar than some of the other fresh faces in the NBA spotlight, has been tearing it up as of late. In the month of February, he’s averaged over 14 points per game while hounding opponents on the defensive floor. In the Spurs’ February 11 meeting with the Bulls, Leonard led San Antonio with 26 points in an impressive win without their big three in Duncan, Parker and Ginobili. He’s been an absolute stud and should flourish in an organization that demands consistency.

CHAUNCEY BILLUPS
First Half Stats: 10.1 PPG, 2.1 APG, .447 percent 3PT
The Clippers have been fine without Billups’ contributions for much of the season, but the traveled veteran will be indispensable when the playoffs roll around. He not only provides L.A. with another skilled body on their already deep roster, but his leadership and experience will help carry this team to greater heights.

The thing about Billups is that he’s been there before. He understands the goal, and what it takes to get there. His ability to get the most out his teammates greatly benefits the Clippers’ fortune. There are some players who have immeasurable impact on the success of a team, and Billups is one of those special guys.

DERRICK ROSE
First Half Stats: N/A
It says a lot about a guy when he makes a list of players to watch and we might not even have the pleasure of doing so this season. What we’re going to keep an eye on, though, is his continued rehabilitation of his repaired ACL. Rose isn’t so sure he’s going to risk it on the floor this season, claiming he won’t return until he’s 110 percent.

If he does rejoin the Bulls down the stretch, they will instantly become a favorite to dethrone the Miami Heat by season’s end. Rose’s comeback has been the subject of much speculation and anticipation this year, and Chicago is waiting anxiously for their superstar to make a dramatic arrival.

Which players are you looking forward to watching down the stretch?

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