What A Ring Would Mean
For the first time in over a decade, the NBA is wide open. The current parity in the playoffs is staggering, as the remaining 7 teams have near equal chances to hoist the Larry O’Bryant Trophy. Stick with us, as we take a look at what an NBA Championship would mean for the star players on each remaining team.
Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant
The title for best player in the world is up for grabs. Winning a ring this season would catapult KD into the same conversation as All-Time Greats in the Top 5. He has an uphill battle to face. James Harden and Kyrie Irving are sidelined with injuries for what seems like the rest of this series.
How will he respond?
The harsh truth is that KD has not had to sweat in the playoffs since 2016. Is he a great player? Absolutely. But his need to play with overwhelming talent can be fairly criticized. Now, Kevin Durant is being asked to do what 60% of the league faces on a daily basis. The Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets have the same amount of players with an MVP award. Are the Bucks currently the deeper team? Yes. However, if we are hailing Kevin Durant as the best player in basketball, he should be able to win this series.
Game 5 is in Brooklyn. He still has weapons. As KD said “Y’all know who I am...I’m Kevin Durant”, now is the time to prove it.
If Kevin Durant beats Milwaukee undermanned, then goes on to win an NBA Championship...the Golden State move would be redeemed. Kevin Durant’s biggest stain on his legacy was that he needed to join the team that eliminated him in order to capture an NBA title. When he was injured, Golden State did not skip a beat. They did not need him, he was a luxury. The opposite is the case in Brooklyn. If Kevin Durant does not suit up, the Nets don’t have a chance at winning an NBA Championship. He is their life line.
James Harden
The last missing puzzle piece to Harden’s illustrious career is an NBA Championship. He has done it all.
Sixth Man of the Year Award
Regular Season MVP
3x Scoring Champion
2016-2017 Assist Leader
James Harden has proven to be a versatile player. He is the orchestrator of his team when on the court. Harden has been met with criticism for his “playoff meltdowns”, which in some cases is fair. But in Harden’s defense, he played in the same conference as Golden State. After Kevin Durant joined them, they were impossible to beat. If LeBron was washed from the playoffs twice by that GS Juggernaut, Harden should not be viable to receive slander.
James is instrumental for the Nets offense. Kyrie Irving has willingly submitted to becoming a scoring 2 guard, allowing Harden to initiate and orchestrate the offense. Being their de facto point guard had Harden playing at possibly the highest and most efficient level of his career.
Is James Harden better than Dwayne Wade?
That conversation can not even be discussed until James is able to get himself some hardware. He certainly matches up talent-wise with the All-Time greats. The question is...Can he prove he belongs in those conversations, when on the biggest stage?
Looking ahead to Game 5, Harden has been moved from “doubtful” to “probable” as he looks to help his team get a much needed win at home. These are the games that people will remember you by. If James Harden shows up in a Nets win, they will be back on track to compete for an NBA Championship.
Photo From: Bleacher Report
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo
This season will be Giannis’ best shot to win an NBA Championship for the next 3 years. Due to injuries, the Brooklyn Nets are in a weak and vulnerable position. Milwaukee needs to put their foot down and take control of this series. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a 2x Regular Season MVP and 1x DPOY, he should be up for the challenge.
The Milwaukee Bucks have not won a championship since 1971 (Big-O & Kareem). If Giannis could bring the trophy back this season, his legacy would be enhanced tenfold. I won’t lie, I give Giannis a hard time for re-signing so early, when he could have waited to see the playing field this offseason. Instead, he fully committed to Milwaukee and 2 months later James Harden became a Brooklyn Net. The future for the Bucks seemed to be 2nd round exits and a disappointed fanbase.
The opposite has occurred. If they win the chip, Giannis would move into the Dirk conversation, as they both were able to deliver a trophy to the city that drafted them.
Giannis has the momentum in this series, and he has to win it. If the Bucks at full strength cannot beat KD and 65% Harden, the future for Milwaukee will look bleak. If anything, having one of the Brooklyn stars out of the game makes the series even. The title for the best player in the world is up for grabs, will Giannis take advantage of this opportunity?
Photo From: NBA.com
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers have hungered for another shot at a championship for nearly 40 years. If Joel Embiid can lead them to a title, he would become the first big man to take his team to the promised land since Dirk Nowitzki. Not often do you find a center who impacts both sides of the ball like Joel.
For 1/2 the season, Joel Embiid was the clear frontrunner for the MVP. After going down with a knee injury, Nikola Jokic rose to the top of the candidacy, ultimately winning the award.
Who is the better center? There is no clear answer, it depends on personal preference. However, if Joel Embiid is able to win a championship this season, that debate can be put to rest.
After a lackluster Game 4 in Atlanta, Embiid and the Sixers look to bounce back and take control of this series at home. Embiid is nursing a nagging injury, but as he said himself…there are no excuses. Multiple teams in the remaining 7 have dealt with injury blows to their team, no one is 100% in the playoffs.
Photo From: USA Today
Philly seems to be the current favorite to win the title. Their size and defensive versatility will make them a tough out for any team.
Daryl Morey
Tilman Fertitta is currently overseas searching for a Malaysian witch doctor. After Daryl Morey told him he was stepping down, Daryl soon found another home in Philadelphia. He saw the writing on the wall, and jumped ship before it flooded.
The use of analytics in the modern NBA has risen year by year. The Godfather of this ideology was Daryl. With CP3 and now Joel, we are seeing that mid range shots are still encouraged...if the player can shoot 50% or higher, making it a statistically efficient shot.
Morey was ahead of his time, the rest of the NBA is finally catching up. If he captures a championship with Philly, it proved that his methods had substance…he was right all along.
Doc Rivers
I’m rooting for Doc. After the Clippers lost a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets, Doc was turned into the main scapegoat. The 76ers knew that was false. Within weeks of the bubble, Doc had found a new home with young stars who were willing to buy in. Nothing would be sweeter than beating his former team in the NBA Finals. First, they have to get there.
Ben Simmons
I’ll keep this one short. Ben has been ridiculed over the years for his lack of a jump shot. He focuses on what he excels at. Ben Simmons is the most versatile defender that we have in today's NBA. If he can be the 2nd best player on a championship team, I’m going to have to change my Top 5 Under 25.
In Game 4, Ben Simmons finished with 11 Points - 9 Assists - 12 Rebounds
Although he nearly had a triple double, Ben Simmons has to play with more aggression on and off the ball. On may occasions, smaller defenders are guarding Ben and sagging off. Driving downhill with a score first mentality is how to counteract the Hawks defense. The 76ers All-Stars have a big game ahead of them in Game 5. If they have any hopes of winning a title, these upcoming games will be a gut check.
Photo From: DraftKings Nation
Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul
How can you root against Chris Paul? He is a comet. A player like CP3 comes around every other generation. Whether it be NOLA, LA, Houston and now PHX, Chris Paul consistently shows us that he is a basketball wizard. Utilizing the lost art of the mid range allows Chris to toy with defenders off of screens, ultimately taking what the defense gives him possession in and possession out.
Chris Paul’s playoff history is murky. A championship would erase those memories. This Phoenix Suns team is young and hungry. CP3 came in with the mindset of being a mentor and a leader, that attitude has paid off tremendously. His impact on players like DeAndre Ayton, Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges is profound. Even after he retires, the lessons and experiences that he passed on will be seen for decades.
In my opinion, Chris Paul is a Top 5 PG of All-Time. Here’s my list:
Magic Johnson
Stephen Curry
Isiah Thomas
Steve Nash
Chris Paul
He has the chance to eclipse Nash with a ring. How fitting would it be to accomplish this goal on Steve’s former team.
Devin Booker
D Book has been chasing this moment for years. He’s seen the Suns at their darkest, and now brightest. Before this post season, Devin Booker was known for putting up gaudy numbers...only in the regular season.
The game that describes this situation perfectly was his 70 point performance in a loss to Boston. Jae Crowder (now his teammate) called him out for posting a picture holding 70 points in a loss. Book’s response, “You can’t guard me.”
Not many two guards have the opportunity to compete for a championship this early in their career. Although Book has been in the league for 6 years, he’s still under 25. This championship would catapult him into Top 10 Players in the league discussion.
Devin Booker has flashes that resemble his idol, Kobe Bryant. His elite footwork and touch around the elbow allow him to utilize every part of the court.
Devin Booker is currently a Top 5 Shooting Guard in the NBA. Here’s my list:
James Harden
Bradley Beal
Donovan Mitchell
Devin Booker
Paul George
An NBA Championship would change this order, landing him at #1 or #2. If Book wants to become Mamba 2.0, he’ll need to add an NBA Championship to his resume.
Photo From: DraftKings Nation
Utah Jazz
Donovan Mitchell
From Day 1, Spida has shown the league that he is here to stay. As a rookie, he led his team to the playoffs, eliminating the Big 3 (Russ, PG, Melo) Thunder. Donovan has shown that he is not intimidated by the veteran stars of the league. Anyone can get that work.
The Utah Jazz seem to be the butt of a lot of jokes. Gasoline was thrown on the flame when LeBron and Kevin Durant did not choose the Jazz’s 2 All-Stars until the tail end of the draft. Despite their great season, fans and analysts did not buy in, claiming they were pretenders, rather than contenders. Donovan heard it all. So far, he has averaged 32 points per game in the playoffs, leading his team to a 6-2 record when playing.
Donovan reminds me so much of Dwayne Wade. A championship this year would cement him as one of the best players in the league. He is out to prove that Utah is not going to be a 2nd round exit for the next decade. Instead, they will be perennial championship contenders.
The work starts now.
Photo From: The Mercury News
WCSF: Game 1
Donovan Mitchell: 45 points - 5 assists - 3 rebounds
Los Angeles Clippers
Paul George
A title for Paul George would mean the world. He started out as a young phenom in Indiana, going head to head with the Big 3 “Heatles” in the early years of his career. As veterans left (Danny Granger, David West, George Hill), Paul George became the undisputed leader of the team. Unfortunately, Indiana could not surround him with All-Star talent due to their small market. Because of this, Paul George requested a trade, hoping to prove that he can be a championship caliber player.
Photo From: Bleacher Report
2013 Eastern Conference Finals: Game 2
Paul George slams on Chris “Birdman” Andersen and evens the series at 1-1.
He landed in OKC. Following Russell Westbrook’s MVP season, the Thunder looked to make a big splash with new acquisitions. They did just that, as they recruited both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to Oklahoma City. Their new Big 3 hoped to rival Golden State’s Hamptons 5.
They did not succeed. Subsequently getting bounced out in the 1st round by a rookie Donovan Mitchell for the Utah Jazz.
In the offseason, Paul George announced at an outdoor party he was staying in Oklahoma City. It seemed as if he and Russ truly did form a genuine friendship. Good fortunes did not last long. In the playoffs that year, Damian Lillard sent him home by knocking down a 35 foot stepback at the buzzer.
To throw gasoline on the fire, Paul George commented postgame:
“Yeah...I mean that’s a bad shot. I don’t care what anybody says, that’s a bad shot. But hey, he made it...but the story will be told that it was a bad shot. You live with that.”
The Thunder organization realized that they were not competing for a championship, but instead, treading water with annual 1st round exits. They pivoted, and took a sharp left…trading Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
Paul George ended up where he originally wanted to be. Back home in Los Angeles. With reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard as his teammate, the Clippers were the odds on favorite to win the 2020 NBA Championship.
Despite injuries and lack of playing time together, the Clippers managed to split the season series with their rival Lakers going into the postseason. After advancing in a hard fought six games against Dallas, they ultimately blew a 3-1 lead in the Bubble Playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
A team underachieving at this magnitude had not happened for some time. Social media had a field day. The slander toward Paul George was overwhelming. For the most part, he’s kept his head down and focused on his game.
Out of the 7 remaining playoff teams, the Clippers have the 1st or 2nd best duo. There’s no excuses. The race for the 2021 title is as wide as ever. Bringing the Clippers their first NBA title in NBA history would be massive.
Kawhi
The Klaw is an established superstar, who was able to win on his own. The minimal downside, added with the enormous upside if he gets an NBA championship makes this very interesting. Kawhi would join LeBron as the only two players in NBA history to win 3 Nba Finals MVPs with 3 different teams.
So far in this year's playoffs, Kawhi is playing lights out. His unbridled aggression when attacking the rim was accentuated by his poster dunk over Derrick Favors in Game 4. He does not get too high, or too low.
Photo From: thesource.com
In a Game 4 postgame interview, Kawhi was asked how he would feel going to the Clippers 1st Western Conference Finals in franchise history, here was his response:
“I don’t care about the Western Conference Finals, I’m trying to win a championship.”
Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly a Top 10 NBA Player in the league. He has shown he can be the best player on a championship team. If he can win the chip this year, he must be discussed in the same conversation as Kevin Durant and LeBron James, regarding this era’s best small forwards.
Photo From: Sporting News
Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young
I held off on writing a section for Trae Young. After their Game 4 win to tie the matchup, this is anybody’s series. Trae Young has taken a massive leap with his decision making. He has shown before that he can explode for 40 points.
In Game 4 his shot wasn’t falling, did he resort to forcing up shots?
No. Instead, he had a career high 18 assists, with the most important being a driving swing pass on the right baseline for a John Collins three pointer. This incredible set up for Collins allowed the Hawks to cut the lead down to 1 (98-97) with just over a minute remaining in the 4th.
In NBA history, small point guards are not usually successful as the best player on their team. We have seen players like Allen Iverson and Steve Nash fail to capture an NBA title. If Trae Young could win an NBA Championship this early in his career, he immediately gets placed in the hierarchy of point guards. His impact on his team cannot be understated.
Photo From: Inquirer Sports - INQUIRER.net
Game 4 against Philadelphia
Trae Young finished with 25 points - 18 assists - 4 rebounds
The 2021 NBA Playoff race is heating up. 3 out of the 4 series are tied at 2-2, it will be an exciting finish to the season. Who do you think will hoist the Larry O B this year? Let us know!
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