No matter how much basketball proponents argue that it’s as much a team game as any, the NBA is still a star-driven league. And those stars make their name in the playoffs.

The 2011 NBA Playoffs haven’t really had any unexpected breakout stars, but a number of guys have taken their games to higher levels than ever before.

Without further ado, let’s put together a couple of NBA All-Playoffs Team.

1^st Team

Derrick Rose, PG, Bulls

The newly-crowned NBA MVP – the youngest in the league’s history – has somehow elevated his game after a regular season seemingly played at full-throttle from start to finish. He led a flawed Bulls team to the top of the NBA standings, and now he’s dragging them through a playoff run despite being the only player capable of finding his own shot. He was super-human in the Bulls’ first two games against the Pacers, averaging 37.5 points, 6.5 assists and 7 rebounds. He’s slowed down statistically as guys like Luol Deng and Joakim Noah step up, but he’s still playing out of his mind.

Dwyane Wade, SG, Heat

“Flash” has shared the spotlight in this post-season like he’s never been able to before – easily done when LeBron James is standing alongside you – but has still managed to put up one of his best playoff performances ever (Game 1 against the Celtics). The Heatles are at their best when Wade assumes alpha-dog status and James becomes the best second banana in history, and they seem to be figuring that out. After seven playoff games, six of them wins, D-Wade is averaging 25.3 ppg, 4.9 apg, and chipping in 7.3 rebounds for good measure.

Kevin Durant, SF, Thunder

Durant shared the offensive load with breakout PG Russell Westbrook throughout the regular season, but Westbrook’s erratic, aggressive play has hampered Oklahoma City at times in the playoffs (Game 4 against Denver, for example), while Durant has calmly led every player in the playoffs with 31.6 ppg. His 41-point outburst to close out the Nuggets was one for the ages, and his hanging, twisting scoop shot along the baseline in Game 1 will be on his highlight reel for years.

Zach Randolph, PF, Grizzlies

If there’s one true surprise star of the 2011 Playoffs, it’s Z-Bo. For years he was seen as a clueless malcontent, a defensive sieve and the kind of guy that would launch a 28-foot jumper down five points in a fourth quarter.

But in 2010 he cut down on the lunacy and became one of the most dangerous offensive post players in basketball. He put up scores in bunches against the Spurs, leading the upstart Grizzlies past a veteran San Antonio squad in six games.

Dwight Howard, C, Magic

It’s hard to blame Howard for the Magic’s early exit against the uninspiring Atlanta Hawks. He was surrounded by shooters that couldn’t shoot and playmakers who couldn’t make plays. He put up 46 and 19 in Game 1, one of the most dominant performances you’ll ever see on a losing team. The disparity between Superman and the rest of his squad was so striking that it might’ve spelled the end of Howard’s career in Orlando.

2^nd Team

Chris Paul, PG, Hornets

Kobe Bryant, SG, Lakers

LeBron James, SF, Heat

Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Mavs

Marc Gasol, C, Grizzlies

The leadup to the NBA draft last year was pretty funny, as messageboards all across the internet wondered just how Chicago GM John Paxson would mess up the first overall pick. After all, most thought the Bulls had wasted their luck on getting the #1 pick while only having a 1.7% chance in the lottery. Paxson, however, did the smart thing and took hometown boy Derrick Rose, fresh off carrying Memphis to the NCAA title game, and the young point guard has done nothing to show that Paxson was wrong. Here is a look at how the top ten picks are faring so far, if you are looking to make rookie picks in your NBA futures. Not surprisingly, NBA betting odds are giving Chicago and Miami the best chance to win this year, but don’t hold your breath.

Derrick Rose, Chicago – Is making the choice to pick him over Michael Beasley look absolutely genius. When he gets a consistent jump shot, it’s game over for the rest of the league. But until then, he’s content to do this:

Michael Beasley, Miami- Dude is talented, no doubt. But he looks so bored out there. I suppose it’s easy to be a bystander when Dwayne Wade is running the show. Being more competitive on the boards is a start.

O.J. Mayo, Memphis – Shoots a great percentage for a guard. It’s a shame he plays in Memphis.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City- Most thought this is a bad pick at #4, but Westbrook’s going to be a good player. He can already defend (something you can’t teach), and his shooting will improve. And his hops are insane.

Kevin Love, Minnesota – Minny fans are vexed at McHale for trading Love for Mayo, but give him time. Love and Al Jefferson could be a great (but EXTREMELY slow) duo in the future.

Danilo Gallinari, New York – It’s a good thing the Starbury and LeBron things are taking over the “Big Apple”. He’s apparently healthy now, but it’s not looking pretty.

Eric Gordon, LA Clippers – Still reminds me of Ben Gordon. No, that wasn’t a compliment.

Joe Alexander, Milwaukee – Unless Richard Jefferson gets hurt, this dude ain’t seeing more than 15 minutes a game.

D.J. Augustin, Charlotte – Mark my words: Raymond Felton will be gone next year, and Augustin’s gonna have the team all to himself.

Brook Lopez, New Jersey – Works hard on the boards, and doesn’t have to score a lot with Devin Harris (and remarkably, Vince Carter) playing out of his mind.