The 2024 NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday at 8 PM ET and we are anticipating the most competitive series in the playoffs so far. The Boston Celtics have been the favorite all year since Brad Stevens acquired Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-led squad finished with the best record in the NBA (64-18). The Dallas Mavericks, despite doubts, have overcome the odds and made it to the Finals led by the superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With so much star power in the Finals, we have named the 10 players with the most pressure.
1. Jayson Tatum
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Pressure: Prove He Is Good Enough To Lead A Team To A Championship
Jayson Tatum's ascension to a top-5 player in the league has been remarkable, but his legacy hinges on his ability to lead the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship. Finishing 5th in MVP voting this year, Tatum has demonstrated his elite skill set and leadership on the court.
With the Celtics on the brink of capturing their record 18th championship, Tatum has the opportunity to etch his name alongside Celtics legends like Larry Bird, John Havlicek, and Paul Pierce. Winning the Finals MVP would further cement his status as one of the greats, especially if he can deliver when it matters most and make up for his subpar performance in the 2022 Finals when he averaged 21.5 points and 3.8 turnovers per game on 36.7% shooting from the field.
However, the stakes are incredibly high. If Tatum fails to perform, the narrative surrounding his career could shift negatively. Critics and fans alike will question his ability to carry a team to the ultimate prize, potentially overshadowing his regular-season accolades and All-Star appearances.
The pressure is immense, as Tatum’s legacy could take a significant hit if he doesn't rise to the occasion. For Tatum, this Finals is more than just about winning a title; it’s about proving that he can be the cornerstone of a championship team.
2. Jaylen Brown
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Pressure: Quiet The Doubts About Him Being A Supermax Player
Jaylen Brown's supermax deal, the largest contract of all time, has placed a magnifying glass on his performance, especially in high-stakes games. As an All-Star and All-NBA talent, Brown has faced scrutiny over his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
This season, he has shown significant improvement, displaying strong handles and exuding confidence on the court. His impressive play earned him the Western Conference Finals MVP when he averaged 29.8 points per game, showcasing his growth and readiness to lead alongside Tatum.
The 2024 Finals present a pivotal moment for Brown to solidify his worth as a supermax player. A strong performance can silence doubters and validate his place as a key component of Boston's dynamic duo.
Conversely, if he falters, questions about his contract and ability to perform under pressure will resurface. This series is Brown's chance to rewrite the narrative from the 2022 Finals (23.5 PPG and 3.3 TOV on 43.1% shooting from the field) and prove that he can be a reliable leader on a championship team.
3. Luka Doncic
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Pressure: Show The World He Is As Impactful As Larry Bird
Luka Doncic, often compared to Larry Bird, is now at a critical juncture in his career. At 25 years old, Doncic has already established himself as one of the most talented players in the league, but he has yet to secure an NBA title. Bird won his first championship at 24, and the pressure is on Doncic to deliver a similar impact. With an all-time great like Kyrie Irving by his side, Doncic has the support to make a deep playoff run, but the challenge of dethroning the Celtics looms large.
Winning the NBA title and Finals MVP this year would not only validate Doncic's standing among the elite but also solidify his place in Mavericks history, potentially even surpassing Dirk Nowitzki.Achieving these milestones in the same year would elevate Doncic into the conversation of the top 50 players of all time, showcasing his extraordinary talent and competitive drive. This Finals is Doncic's chance to prove that he can lead his team to the ultimate victory and live up to the comparisons with Bird.
4. Kyrie Irving
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Pressure: Change His Legacy To Win Without LeBron James
Kyrie Irving's legacy has long been tied to his 2016 NBA title win alongside LeBron James, where he delivered a historic performance, including the game-winning shot in Game 7 over Stephen Curry. Since then, Irving has struggled to replicate that playoff success, with his teams failing to advance past the second round. Now, back in the Finals, Irving has a golden opportunity to reshape his legacy by winning a championship without LeBron, proving that he can lead a team to glory on his own terms.
A second title would solidify Irving's status as one of the all-time great players, not just an all-time great point guard. It would validate his decision to forge his own path and showcase his ability to thrive under pressure. Failing to deliver, however, would reinforce the narrative that his success was largely dependent on LeBron, potentially diminishing his career achievements.
5. Kristaps Porzingis
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Pressure: Become The Missing Piece Of A Championship Puzzle
Kristaps Porzingis has experienced a rollercoaster career, from being a highly touted draft pick to dealing with significant injuries and a tumultuous exit from Dallas. Now with the Boston Celtics, Porzingis has a chance to reinvent himself and prove that he can be the missing piece in a championship-winning team. His unique combination of size, skill, and shooting ability makes him a valuable asset, and Boston's league-best record this season underscores the potential impact he can have.
Porzingis hasn't played in the last two rounds of the playoffs due to injury, but his return for the Finals could be a game-changer. At 7'4" with exceptional offensive skills, he has the ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches.
A strong performance in the Finals would not only help Boston secure their 18th championship but also re-establish Porzingis as a star in the league. Conversely, if he underperforms, questions about his durability and consistency will continue to haunt him. This Finals is a pivotal moment for Porzingis to prove his worth and help Boston achieve their championship aspirations.
6. Jrue Holiday
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Pressure: Make His Hall Of Fame Case
Jrue Holiday has long been regarded as one of the best two-way guards in the NBA, known for his defensive prowess and clutch performances. Despite his impressive resume, which includes a 2021 NBA title with the Bucks, two All-Star selections, and six All-Defensive Team honors, Holiday's Hall of Fame case remains to be determined. Winning a second championship, especially as a key contributor to two different teams, would significantly bolster his candidacy.
Holiday's impact on both ends of the floor cannot be overstated. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him an invaluable asset for the Celtics. A standout performance in the Finals would further highlight his importance to winning teams and strengthen his Hall of Fame credentials.
7. Derrick White
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Pressure: Make Himself Untouchable On A Title-Contending Team
Since joining the Boston Celtics, Derrick White has transformed into a crucial player, showcasing his defensive prowess and improving his offensive game. Learning under Gregg Popovich with the Spurs, White developed a strong foundation in winning basketball, which he has carried into his role with the Celtics. Making two All-Defensive Teams, he has proven his value as a two-way guard capable of making significant contributions on both ends of the floor.
The 2024 Finals present White with a chance to further cement his place in Boston's rotation and make himself untouchable on a title-contending team. His ability to impact the game defensively and provide timely scoring can be pivotal in a championship run. A strong performance in the Finals would solidify his reputation as an all-time great role player for the Celtics franchise, ensuring his place in their future plans.
8. Al Horford
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Pressure: Win One NBA Championship Before Eventual Retirement
Al Horford's illustrious career includes five All-Star appearances, an All-NBA Third Team selection, and a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team. Despite his numerous individual accolades and a previous Finals appearance with the Celtics, Horford has yet to capture an NBA championship. At 38 years old, time is running out for the veteran big man to add a title to his resume, and this year's Finals may represent his best chance.
Winning a championship would solidify Horford's legacy as an exceptional role player and leader in Boston's storied history. His experience, leadership, and defensive acumen have been invaluable to the Celtics' success, and a title would be the crowning achievement of his career. On the flip side, failing to win a championship could leave Horford's career feeling incomplete, despite his numerous accomplishments.
9. P.J. Washington
Pressure: Confirm His Place Alongside Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving As Third Option
PJ Washington has stepped up significantly this postseason, averaging 13.6 points per game and making crucial shots for the Dallas Mavericks. As the team looks to build around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the foreseeable future, Washington has the chance to solidify his role as the third option. His offensive aggression and ability to hit timely shots have been pivotal in the Mavericks' journey to the Finals.
A strong performance in the Finals would confirm Washington's place alongside Doncic and Irving, ensuring his role as a key contributor moving forward. His ability to complement the star duo with his scoring and versatility can make him an indispensable part of the Mavericks' success. Conversely, an underwhelming showing could lead to doubts about his fit and future with the team.
10. Daniel Gafford
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Pressure: Take Over The Starting Center Role
Daniel Gafford has quietly developed into a reliable player over the past three years, particularly shining since joining the Mavericks. Known for his athleticism, aggressiveness, and tenacity around the rim, Gafford has the potential to become the long-term solution at the center position for Dallas. His ability to rebound, defend, and finish at the rim makes him a valuable asset for the team.
A strong showing in the Finals would bolster Gafford's case to take over the starting center role permanently. His performance on the biggest stage can showcase his growth and readiness to handle more responsibility. On the other hand, if he struggles, it may raise questions about his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. For Gafford, this series is a crucial opportunity to prove that he can be a cornerstone of the Mavericks' future and solidify his place in their lineup.
This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
