The 2025 NBA Playoffs aren’t just about winning a championship — they’re about building legacies. For several players and coaches, the next two months could define their careers forever. Here’s a deep dive into who has the most to gain — or lose — during this postseason run.
Donovan Mitchell and the Quest to Revive “Playoff Donovan”
Remember the electric rookie who lit up Russell Westbrook and the Thunder? That was “Playoff Donovan.” Since his early Utah days, however, Donovan Mitchell’s postseason success has cooled off dramatically. His playoff struggles in Cleveland, especially last season against the Knicks, left many wondering if he’d ever reclaim that fire.
This year, expectations are sky-high for Mitchell and the Cavaliers. After a stellar regular season, anything less than challenging the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals would be seen as a major disappointment. Mitchell’s performances against Boston this year (35.5 points per game on 62.2% true shooting) hint at a player ready to rise. It’s now or never to revive Playoff Donovan.
Jayson Tatum: Chasing Greatness and Multiple Titles
While Jayson Tatum already has a championship, critics nitpicked his 2024 playoff performance, claiming he wasn’t dominant enough. Jaylen Brown often outshined him during last year’s run, thanks in part to the defensive attention Tatum attracted.
With Brown’s health now a concern, Tatum must take the reins if Boston hopes to become the first repeat champs since the 2017-18 Warriors. For Tatum, this postseason is about climbing the all-time ranks — a second title and an NBA Finals MVP would cement his place among the legends.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Young Star with Historic Ambitions
The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the regular season and positioned himself as a top MVP candidate. His unique pace, craftiness, and elite defense have made him nearly unstoppable.
Oklahoma City is young, but if SGA leads them to a championship, he would defy NBA history, skipping the usual playoff-learning steps most contenders endure. Winning the MVP and a championship in the same season would catapult Gilgeous-Alexander into instant superstardom.
Luka Dončić and the Lakers: A Legacy Fueled by Revenge
The most shocking midseason trade landed Luka Dončić with the Lakers. After a turbulent season with the Mavericks, Dončić now has a rare chance to seek revenge — and glory — alongside LeBron James.
Winning a championship immediately in L.A. would make Luka’s story legendary, serving as the ultimate rebuttal to the Mavericks’ front office and making his trade the most famous turning point in modern NBA history.
Nikola Jokić: Defying Chaos to Enhance His Legend
Despite Denver’s late-season coaching chaos, Nikola Jokić remains the most dominant force in the league. Already a three-time MVP (possibly four by the time you’re reading this), Jokić faces a near-impossible task.
If he leads the Nuggets to a title amidst dysfunction, the conversation around him will escalate. It wouldn’t just solidify his place among all-time greats — it would force comparisons with the very best to ever play the game.
Kawhi Leonard: One More Historic Run?
Kawhi Leonard’s health has always been a concern, but the Clippers have managed his season carefully. If Leonard leads the Clippers to their first NBA title, it would mark his third championship with a third team — an achievement very few have matched.
Kawhi has nothing left to prove individually, but another ring would place him firmly among the all-time playoff performers.
Anthony Edwards: From Star to Superstar
Anthony Edwards shocked the NBA last postseason by leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. Now, with a deeper arsenal (including a deadly three-point shot), he’s ready for the next leap.
Still only 23, a championship run this year would vault Edwards into the conversation with the league’s brightest stars, changing how he’s perceived permanently. No longer the “fun neighbor” — Edwards could become a true franchise centerpiece.
Steph Curry: Chasing a Fifth Ring
Steph Curry doesn’t need validation, but a fifth NBA championship would elevate him into rarified air alongside legends like Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. Teaming up with Jimmy Butler gives Golden State new life — and Curry another chance at greatness.
Winning a fifth title would also surpass LeBron James’ four championships and place Curry just one behind Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Jimmy Butler: Finally Completing the Journey
“Playoff Jimmy” is no myth. After years of dramatic playoff runs with the Miami Heat, Butler now has a new stage with the Warriors. Since Butler joined, Golden State has looked like a true contender.
Winning his first NBA title would validate Butler’s career arc, especially after the messy exit from Miami, and immortalize him as one of the best postseason performers of his generation.
Tom Thibodeau: Coaching for His Legacy
It’s rare to see a coach’s playoff run under this much scrutiny, but Tom Thibodeau’s future with the Knicks feels tied to how these playoffs unfold. If New York falls early — especially with a likely matchup against the dominant Celtics looming — Thibodeau’s job security could vanish.
However, if Thibodeau can guide the Knicks past Boston and into a deep playoff run, he could rewrite the narrative around his postseason reputation and coaching legacy.
Conclusion:
The 2025 NBA Playoffs aren’t just about banners and rings. They’re about legacies, respect, and rewriting basketball history. Some stars are chasing validation, some revenge, and others pure greatness. No matter the outcome, the next two months promise drama, heartache, triumph — and a new chapter in NBA lore.
