Eddie Johnson: A title this year would change how we talk about these 12 NBA stars forever

Mar 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

I have a seat with Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Hakeem and Shaq!

Nikola Jokic is not fast and does not jump over a nickel, but he has redefined what dominance looks like. Already carrying three MVPs, one championship and a Finals MVP, if he adds another title, he would move from best player in the world right now to being measured against some of the all-time greatest centers ever.

Jokic is a statistical dream. He will eventually catch and pass Russell Westbrook as the all-time leader in triple-doubles and doing it while leading the league in rebounding and assists is simply amazing.

Just imagine: Jokic beats four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, future all-time great and more-than-likely Defensive Player of the Year this season Victor Wembanyama, then the likely NBA MVP and defending champ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to get Denver to the Finals. It would be one of the most impressive runs ever. Denver is deep enough to do it and history awaits.

Now what?!

That is exactly what Kevin Durant will scream out if he carries the Houston Rockets to a championship. He has a list of individuals he has papers on and I must admit I might be one of them.

Yes, we hated when KD left OKC for an already built-up Warriors. I personally didn't think he was carried; I knew he would carry and he did. The Warriors were not beating the Cavaliers without KD and he proved it by getting back-to-back Finals MVPs. But it did not help when he left Golden State and joined a team in Brooklyn featuring Kyrie Irving and James Harden… and it got worse when he was teamed with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in Phoenix.

But now, arguably the best pure scorer we have ever seen (having just passed MJ all-time) is the leader of a Houston Rockets team that needs him at the highest level he has been at since OKC. The Rockets are talented enough to win the West, but it will have to be KD at his finest to get it done. If he does, his all-time ranking will move closer to top 10 and he will be able to proudly say, "Now what?!"

I am him

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP and grabs back-to-back titles, he will do something no one has done since LeBron in 2012 and 2013! And who has been the face of the league for the last 20 years?

SGA is building a case for the most efficient 2-guard ever. His 2025-26 TS% is the highest of his career while scoring 30 a game, and he is doing it as the primary creator. Although people focus on Jokic and Wemby as the current and future most dominant players, if SGA wins the title, he will ruin that party for now.

Mar 19, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Running out of time

James Harden, a superstar, has faced more scrutiny than almost any other player in the NBA, but he must admit that his playoff failures and constantly putting teams in a tough position to trade him have been the reasons. Harden's regular-season brilliance has always been spectacular, but the playoff meltdowns at inopportune times have been the dagger that has him in this precarious position.

Harden finally finds himself on the right team. The Cavs needed him more than he needed them. He is the perfect solution to a team that won 64 games last year and came up short. If he wins a title, it will flip the narrative quickly and recreate the narrative from failure to champion. The criticism will always follow him, but the power of those words will be softer and more appreciative of helping bring a title back to Cleveland. If he comes up short this year, the Cavs might turn to LeBron for a second homecoming.

Stat king or champion

Make no mistake: Luka Doncic is the most unguardable player in the NBA. The NBA has been waiting for him to ascend to his rightful place as an MVP and champion. Both scenarios have been hard to come by and all Luka needs to do is look in the mirror. In my opinion, he runs a 24-mile marathon instead of 26.2 miles.

Luka is so talented that he believes in shortcuts on the floor. That is not the personality for all-time greats. Gaining weight in-season, taking off defensive plays, arguing with officials and taking bad shots because you are tired… They all add up to failure and are the difference in winning what he needs, and that's an MVP and a championship.

Fear should engulf his thoughts. He could become the second-highest scorer ever and attract great players to Los Angeles to team with him. He has LeBron at 41 playing like he is 30. He has Austin Reaves, who is a generic him.

It will be difficult for LeBron to win a first-round series against Houston, but if he does, it might be Luke's chance to lead and win that first title. If he does, he will move to top 15–20 all-time and climbing.

Mar 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) has a laugh with guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Tag-team title!

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have a championship, but they are chasing something within their own organization for legacy-duo conversations. The ghosts of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce echo constantly.

These two are connected and are two of the best winners since they came into the league.

If they win another title, both will take major leaps. Tatum for his dedication to getting back on the court after an Achilles injury and playing to an All-NBA level. Jaylen Brown for his ability to lead the Celtics to the second-best record in the East. Both would move up the all-time ranks and be considered among the best duos in league history.

Seeking respect

Donovan Mitchell has played well on the playoff stage but has come up short every time. A championship would bring ultimate validation to a career not expected when drafted. He has proven to be a leader and now he must be a boost for James Harden, who has had similar problems. Donovan winning a chip would put him alongside LeBron in Cavs' lore and probably deter King James from returning to Cleveland next year for his last hurrah.

Jalen Brunson would accomplish something not usually reserved for small players and that is leading a team to a title at his size. The Knicks have an abundance of scorers and Brunson must set the table for everyone to win the championship, like Isiah Thomas did to win back-to-back titles in Detroit. If he wins a championship in New York, he will elevate to Walt Frazier status as one of the best Knicks ever. That right there will be one of the best accomplishments.

Mar 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Future arrives early

Cade Cunningham: If Detroit wins a title this year, it will be nothing short of amazing. I remember the look on Cade's face while immersed in that debilitating losing streak a couple of years ago. I saw the pain, but I also saw a no-quit attitude.

The Pistons have the best record in the East, but Boston is favored. That should raise the ire of a player and team that are still fighting for respect. If Cade wins a championship, he will validate being the first pick in the draft and also put himself up there with the all-time greats in a Pistons uniform.

Victor Wembanyama: The only surprise regarding Victor is how soon he has elevated the Spurs. This young man will win at a high level if he stays healthy. There is no stopping him. It's just a matter of time. Will it be this year or next? That should be the only question. He will win MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year awards and titles. The challenge for every player above is to take advantage while he is still green and maturing. For the next 10 years, it will be extremely difficult to beat this man. Players will flock to play with him and he will dominate. If he wins the title this year, it will be the most impressive in Spurs history.

Let the march to the title begin, and enjoy because one of these players will possibly win a title and forever be looked at differently than they are right now.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Eddie Johnson: A title this year would change how we talk about these 12 NBA stars forever