Which NBA superstar would be most deeply impacted by winning an NBA title?

In the modern NBA, parity has been a key theme when discussing championship winners. Of the four franchises remaining in the 2025 NBA playoffs, three are vying for their first title in franchise history. Additionally, it's intriguing that each superstar from these teams has the opportunity to join an exclusive club as the best player on a championship team. Each player has a unique narrative that will shape how they are perceived if they win the championship this year. However, one player, in particular, would see their stature in the league significantly impacted if they were to capture an NBA championship.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the most high-profile player among the four remaining superstars in the playoffs, especially as he is expected to win his first career MVP award. His team has already made history by winning 68 games, and they have been favored to win the championship for the majority of the season. If he manages to win both the MVP and a championship, it would mark only the 15th time in NBA history that a player has achieved both in the same season. Accomplishing this feat would place SGA in rare company, as Stephen Curry and LeBron James are the only active players to have reached this significant milestone.

At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards is not only considered one of the top five players in the NBA, but he is also leading his franchise to unprecedented heights. The Timberwolves have reached the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, marking only the third time in franchise history. Winning an NBA title would cement Anthony Edwards' legacy as a legend in Minnesota and potentially make him the greatest player in the franchise's history. Beyond the significance for Edwards as a key player, a championship win would also elevate his status as one of the best players in the league. With his talent and charisma, he appears destined to become the face of the NBA if he secures a championship.

Among the teams expected to reach this stage, the Pacers were often ranked low on most lists. Nevertheless, they have once again achieved the improbable by making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Tyrese Haliburton deserves significant credit for the team's success. He has consistently found ways to elevate his teammates when it matters most and has stepped up his own game during critical moments. Transitioning from being viewed as "overrated" to winning a championship would transform the public perception of both Haliburton and his team. Despite his immense talent, he has often been overlooked. A championship victory would greatly help to change that narrative.

No player has arguably overcome doubters quite like Jalen Brunson throughout his NBA career. After being selected as a second-round pick, he has risen to the status of an NBA superstar. His journey is nothing short of remarkable, and he continues to defy the odds. Following a victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics, Brunson has led the New York Knicks to a level of success that the franchise has not enjoyed in years. His ability to bring the team this far is a testament to his greatness. However, if he can lead the Knicks to a championship, he will cement his place in discussions about all-time greats. Playing for such an iconic franchise as the Knicks places Brunson in the spotlight, and achieving a championship victory would create one of the most legendary moments in NBA history.

A championship on a star player's resume is the ultimate testament to their career. No other player's career would be more significantly impacted by winning a title than Jalen Brunson's. While it would be monumental for other players to secure their franchise's first championship, if Brunson leads the Knicks to a victory that they have not experienced in generations, it would be a surreal moment for both him and the franchise.