Around the NBA: Players with Indiana ties in the postseason

The 2011 NBA Playoffs have been some of the best postseason I can remember. Every game is close, competitive and thrilling. I thought I’d take a look at players still alive with Indiana connections: whether it be high school or college.

San Antonio vs. Memphis
George Hill has added a quality contribution to the top seed in the west. Playing more than 24 minutes a game, he is averaging nearly 13 points and 5 rebounds a game in the playoffs. In game one he played 41 minutes. His Spurs are struggling, down 2-1 to the Grizzlies.

Mike Conley is critical for Memphis, playing almost the entire game in the playoffs. In game one he played 44 minutes, scored 15 points and dished out 10 assists. Who would have thought Conley would be a better pro than Greg Oden. Most treated Conley Jr. as a thrown in on the deal.

Zach Randolph is huge for the Grizzlies and even earned himself a contract extension after 25 points and 14 rebounds in a game one win. The Marion product has been a quality NBA player when his head has been kept in check.

Lakers vs. New Orleans
Devin Ebanks was one of Kelvin Sampson’s recruits. He committed to the Hoosiers before backing out after the debacle. He has been limited to about seven minutes but five points in the postseason with the Lakers.

Carl Landry has been a surprise for the Hornets. Playing almost 35 minutes a game, the Purdue grad has played a pivotal role against the Lakers. Last game he scored 23 points (11-12 FT) and grabbed five boards.

Jarrett Jack, the former Pacer, is averaging 22 minutes against the Lakers. He his best game in game one, with 15 points and five rebounds in winning effort. Backing up Chris Paul is tough, but Jack is expected to keep the intensity up while on the court.

Portland vs. Dallas
Greg Oden didn’t play a minute all season for the Trail Blazers after yet another injury. He just can’t catch a break. Three years in and it’s safe to say he’s been a strong disappointment, at least to this point.

Brian Cardinal is barely hitting the court. He has played less than a minute in the last two games. Scrub time. He saw action in 56 games this year for Dallas.

Indiana vs. Chicago
Josh McRoberts has been a solid role player for his hometown team. His production has been averaged but his job has been to come in to give Hansbrough a breather, provide energy and be active on defense. That’s exactly what he has done. Another reason the Pacers have had a chance to win all four games. The series heads back to Chicago for a game Tuesday at 8 pm EST on TNT.

Boston vs. New York
Jermaine O’Neal has battled injuries, as usual, all season long—limited to just 24 games. He has played about twenty minutes in each playoff game with Celtics. He has definitely made an impact while on the floor with his presence inside, willingness to take charges and block shots.

Troy Murphy has been limited. After parting ways with the Nets, Murphy has played 17 games with the Celtics. He made an appearance in game 3, tallying one rebound. Talk about an overpaid player.

Shawne Williams has played a lot of minutes for the Knicks, averaging about 25 minutes. He had a strong game three, finishing with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Williams was a player the Pacers drafted but never seemed to have his head on straight.

Jared Jeffries became a twitter trending phenomenon in the series. He made a couple of big steals and shots in game three but did turn it over at a crucial time. The former Hoosier averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds but unfortunately for Williams and Jeffries, they were swept.

Orlando vs. Atlanta
Jeff Teague has been quiet for the Hawks. The Pike product has played just two minutes in four games against the Magic.