Inside the playoffs - players who need to make an impact in National Basketball Association playoffs - Brief Article

NBC Sports NBA analyst Steve Jones looks at some players who will need to make an impact in the playoffs.

* Marcus Camby, Knicks

As Camby goes, so go the Knicks because he is their energizer. With Camby in the lineup, the Knicks can play a quicker game, but for them to do so, Camby has to be on the court with better players such as Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell. When he is playing in that combination, the Knicks don't have to give him the ball. He doesn't have an established go-to move or go-to shot, so he still needs to live off of other players' efforts, especially following missed shots.

* Brian Grant, Trail Blazers

Grant is critical to the Trail Blazers in that he allows their versatility to work well with their frontline depth, When Grant is healthy, he gives the Trail Blazers solid offensive rebounding, and they know he is going to chase the ball. He brings a strong physical presence and an attitude. If Grant can play like he did in the '99 playoffs, it will ease the load Rasheed Wallace and Arvydas Sabonis have to carry. Grant's presence also takes a lot of pressure off Scuttle Pippen defensively.

* David Robinson, Spurs

Robinson must play closer to his past level. When teams double or triple Tim Duncan, I've noticed Robinson realizes that when he moves into the basket area--for a missed shot or pass--it allows him to score easier than in the past. He must be a bigger rebounding force.

* Robert Horry, Lakers

Horry always has played well in May and June when his team has a chance to do well in the playoffs. He was huge in Houston's titles run because of his ability to make open shots, block shots and defend. If he does all that, he'll prove a special complement to the Lakers' offensive threats. Another plus is that he doesn't demand the ball, but if there is an open shot, he can make it.

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