Winning an NBA championship is one of the toughest things any player can do.
If you take a look at the all-time greats, several were never able to win a ring during their playing days, while others only managed to do it once or twice.
That’s why some don’t think that a player’s greatness should be measured by how many championships he won but because of his personal metrics and accolades.
Whatever the case, ring culture has become even stronger nowadays, which is why Stephen A. Smith believes the pressure is on for several NBA stars: Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, James Harden, and Chris Paul.
.@stephenasmith's NBA players under the MOST pressure to win a title:
1. Chris Paul
2. James Harden
3. Jayson Tatum
4. Nikola Jokić
5. Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/xS5oKZZU9x— First Take (@FirstTake) February 22, 2023
Smith claimed that Leonard ‘blackmailed’ the Los Angeles Clippers to make them trade for Paul George, so it’s time he pays them back by bringing a championship to the organization.
He’s now got Russell Westbrook as well, so there’s no room for excuses.
Then, he talked about Jokic, who’s on the verge of winning three straight MVPs, yet he has no NBA Finals appearances to show for it, and he’s finally got a solid supporting cast.
When it comes to Jayson Tatum, Stephen A. believes Tatum left a lot to be desired in last year’s postseason, so it’s time he redeems himself with a ring.
James Harden, on the other hand, has won nearly every single individual accolade, yet he hasn’t found success in Houston or Brooklyn, so he claims there are no excuses for him now that he’s playing with Joel Embiid.
Last but not least, it is finally time Chris Paul goes the distance and wins that ring.
He failed to do it in his lone trip to the NBA Finals, but he now has Kevin Durant, so Smith believes there’s absolutely no reason why one of the greatest PGs ever cannot win the ring this season.
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