It may be difficult to remember now, but last year the Golden State Warriors went into the playoffs with some uncertainty. Kevin Durant suffered a calf strain in Game 1 against Portland and missed games 2 and 3 of the first round. All of a sudden, the rookie Patrick McCaw was thrust into a starting role in the playoffs.
For such a daunting role, McCaw performed admirably. The Warriors swept the Trailblazers and romped through the rest of the playoffs. Along the way, McCaw flashed real promise. The rookie managed to stay on the court under the brightest of lights.