Piece By: Tony Camino
With all the breakout performances of the bubble such as T.J. Warren, Gary Trent Jr., Michael Porter Jr., etc., winning the NBA title this season will be more of a challenge than ever. Seemingly anyone can get hot and make a run deep into the playoffs. Everyone counted Phoenix out and mocked why they were even invited, but they are now 6-0 and vying for a playoff spot. With the more march madness type feel to the season, titles for some players could seal their legacy. The following three players are who I think have the most to gain with a championship this season.
James Harden & Russell Westbrook
Westbrook and Harden go hand in hand in the sense that they are both former MVPs who just lack an NBA title. Along with being teammates, I also think Harden and Westbrook are some of the most over hated players in the league today. Harden has the stigma of being a playoff choker, even though most of his eliminations come at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. With a title for each of the two, their previous criticisms would disappear, and you would see both get more respect as all-time players.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
At just the age of 25, Giannis is getting to the point where he needs to perform at the playoffs to be an all-time great. Although he’s on the brink of back-to-back MVP awards, he is in danger of not seeing the finals once. If Giannis can lead the Bucks through the east, then beat the Lakers or Clippers, he would be the undisputed best player in the world. The beginning to his career is off to a similar start to Lebron’s, as the regular season accolades showed his talent, but lack of help hurt his chance to cement himself as a great. Along with Giannis having a lot to gain from winning, so does his franchise. Continued playoff failures with no signs of trying to improve could just drive Giannis out of town.
LeBron James
In pursuit of the GOAT title, there’s no doubt LeBron needs one more title to cement himself as the GOAT. Being the first to turn three teams into championship winners would make most basketball fans think he’s the greatest. Additionally, LeBron has had the narrative his whole career about how he wouldn’t be able to do it in the west, and he can prove that wrong this year. If he can win Finals MVP with a title, that would do wonders for his all-time legacy.