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Trail Blazers Player Power Rankings: Playoffs Edition

By Perry Waggoner

Apr 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) hugs guard CJ McCollum (3) after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) hugs guard CJ McCollum (3) after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103 in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark (21) during the second quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark (21) during the second quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Allen Crabbe

Playoff Stats: 9.5 PPG / 2.9 RPG / 1.4 APG

Much like McCollum, Allen Crabbe’s postseason couldn’t have started any worse. After Game 3 vs. the Clippers, he had scored just six total points and didn’t have a single three-point basket under his belt. He eventually broke out of his funk though by putting together a string of solid performances, some of which kept the Trail Blazers within striking distance of the defending champs. When Lillard and McCollum were locked up, he was relied on as the best option to score.

While Crabbe is a restricted free agent, I can’t think of a single reason why Neil Olshey would hesitate to match any offer another team throws at him. Every championship caliber team needs a player to come off the bench and supply solid defense while being able to hit a big shot on offense. He’s that type of guy now and still has room to grow.

Next: Number Five: How could you be so...