And then there were four.
The NBA’s Conference Finals begin this week, with the Indiana Pacers squaring off against the Boston Celtics in the East, and the Dallas Mavericks battling the Minnesota Timberwolves in the West. One thing’s for sure when you look closely at all four rosters: This year’s Conference Finals are star-studded with two-way difference-makers, lockdown defenders, steady floor generals, and incredible shot-makers galore.
In the interest of setting the table for what should be two classic series on paper, I’ve decided to examine the players you should really be keeping an eye on over the next two weeks. Some of the names might surprise you, at least in the order they’re presented. Others will likely get you thinking (ideally, anyway). And remember, if you disagree with any pick, it’s obviously because I hate your favorite team and wish them the worst.
Here are the For The Win’s rankings of the best players in the NBA’s 2024 Conference Finals.