5 X-Factor Players in the Western Conference Playoff Race

#3 - Jusuf Nurkic

Denver Nuggets v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Six

If you saw Jusuf Nurkic's leg break on national television back in 2019 it is probably etched into your memory forever. Few injuries are as gruesome and tough to watch as that, and Nurkic has not returned to his borderline All-Star form since.

As if that injury was not enough, Nurkic required surgery after fracturing his right wrist in early 2021. Before that moment, the Bosnian big man was averaging 11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 51.4 percent shooting. They are still notably down from their peak of about 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists on a nightly basis.

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum would greatly benefit from the return of their starting center to his ideal form. Nurkic provides a threatening screen and roll presence, underrated passing skills, and relentless effort on the glass.

Playing alongside a defensive-focused frontcourt partner like Larry Nance Jr. could be highly beneficial for the offensive-oriented Nurkic. The Portland Trail Blazers will be ecstatic to see Jusuf Nurkic of old at some point during the 2021-22 NBA season.

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#2 - Reggie Jackson

Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Three

Reggie Jackson is the only player on this list not coming off a substantial injury. He is mentioned here as an X-Factor because of his inconsistencies throughout his NBA career and the fact he ended last season on a high note.

After some notable seasons with the Detroit Pistons from 2014-18, Jackson seemed to be pinned as a scoring-focused backup point guard in the NBA. His athleticism was seemingly gone due to a handful of injuries, and he would eventually find himself suiting up for the LA Clippers at the end of 2019-20.

Entering free agency, the Clippers elected to offer Jackson a one-term deal, and he went on to average 10.7 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 45.0 percent from the field, 43.3 percent from three, and 81.7 percent from the line throughout 67 games last season.

While those numbers are solid and especially efficient for a backup guard in the NBA, it wasn't until the postseason that Reggie Jackson truly shone. In the Clippers; 19 playoff games, Jackson tallied 17.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds while converting 48.4 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from three, and 87.8 percent from the three throw line.

Showing up in the biggest moments and under the brightest lights is always going to leave a good impression on your team and the rest of the NBA. The LA Clippers will need postseason Reggie Jackson to remain at that level with the absence of Kawhi Leonard for the majority of the season.

If Jackson can maintain that, it would make coping with the loss of Leonard that much easier for the Clippers.

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#1 - Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors Media Day

Klay Thompson was an easy choice for this list. The Splash Bros member is making his return to the Golden State Warriors this season after an entire year sidelined with a torn right achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals.

Stephen Curry finished third in MVP voting last season, and Draymond Green was second in the Defensive Player of the Year race, but neither was enough to lead the Warriors back into the postseason.

We all know what Klay Thompson is capable of. He is a career 41.9 percent shooter from three on 7.0 attempts per night. Undeniably one of the best shooters the game has ever seen while also adding stellar on-ball defense to make the perfect role player (even though he absolutely qualifies as a star).

If the Golden State Warriors are gaining the same Klay Thompson we saw prior to his injury, they could even catapult themselves into NBA Championship contention for the 2021-22 season. The issue is that a player's impact when returning from substantial injuries such as an achilles tear is unpredictable.