Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum Among Players Under Most Pressure Next Season, Says Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins released his big list of players under most pressure heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum Among Players Under Most Pressure Next Season, Says Kendrick Perkins

Kendrick Perkins (Image credits - Heavy Sports)

With a little under a month to go for the 2026-27 campaign, Kendrick Perkins has named the five players he has his eyes set on for the new season. The players are Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards.

All five players are coming off disappointing ends to their 2025-26 campaigns. While Doncic and Edwards impressed in the regular season, both their teams fell short in the Western Conference semifinals.

Meanwhile, Davis and Adebayo missed the playoffs this year, and a lot is riding on them next season. Davis struggled with injuries and did not appear once for the Washington Wizards after his trade-deadline move. Whereas Adebayo and the Miami Heat saw their season come to an end in the Play-In Tournament.

In Kendrick Perkins’ latest list of players under the most pressure, the former champion named Davis and Adebayo in his fifth and fourth spots, respectively.

Coming in at number 5, Anthony Davis. I have them (Washington Wizards) to make the playoffs this year. He is betting on himself. He said he is going to play 82 games, I want to see it. Coming at number 4, Bam Adebayo. It is time for Bam to step up. The Miami Heat has been loyal to him. I need to see him elevate his game and get over 20 points per game.

Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today

A lot is riding on Anthony Davis after a poor 2025-26 campaign. The big man saw his disappointing stint with the Dallas Mavericks come to an end after he was traded to the Wizards at the trade deadline this year. With the Wizards making some big moves by trading for Trae Young and drafting AJ Dybantsa as the number one pick, the pressure is on Davis to deliver.

Similarly, Bam Adebayo is coming off another underwhelming season. While he did light up the NBA world in March when he scored 83 points against the Wizards, it has been a poor season for the Heat center. But with the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the summer, it is time for Adebayo to step up as the expectations surrounding the Heat are higher than ever.

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Kendrick Perkins names Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic as players under most pressure

Perkins named Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards as the top three players under the most pressure. All three players have a point to prove next season after some big changes to their respective teams.

The ESPN analyst wants to see the three young stars who are in their primes come up big in the 2026-27 season.

Number 3, Jayson Tatum. No Jaylen Brown, this is your squad. The city believes in you, the organization believes in you. You have to go out and deliver in great fashion. Number 2, Luka Doncic. No LeBron James. You got the center that you need. You got Austin Reaves. This is the keys to your vehicle. You in LA. They want to hang banners. At number 1, Anthony Edwards. He has a true point guard, I believe he is going to win MVP.

Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today

After missing the majority of the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles tear, Tatum made his return towards the end of the regular season. With Jaylen Brown traded away to the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer, the Boston Celtics have made it clear that they are counting on Tatum to lead the franchise in the future.

With LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent this summer, the Lakers have officially entered the Luka Doncic era. Doncic has been the centerpiece of the organization since his move to LA. After missing the entire playoffs this year due to injury, the Slovenian guard will need to deliver next season in a franchise where winning championships is the norm.

Anthony Edwards is coming off his best individual campaign. However, a second-round exit against the San Antonio Spurs was a disappointing end to his season. With the acquisition of LaMelo Ball, Edwards has a true point guard to handle ball-handling duties next season. Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are going all in for the championship next year.

Kendrick Perkins issues a challenge to Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid is the heart and soul of “The Process” for the 76ers. Unfortunately, constant injuries have seen them struggle to make any meaningful postseason run over the last decade.

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid (Image credits – NBA)

However, with the additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to their roster, the expectations and pressure on Embiid to deliver are higher than ever. Some have even labeled the upcoming season as “championship or bust”.

Kendrick Perkins singled out Embiid as a controlling factor for the 76ers in the upcoming season:

Is he going to be available? Is he going to be healthy? Is he willing to make sacrifices that is willing to be made? He has to come in with the mentality of ‘I want to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation’. Joel Embiid is the most important piece on the 76ers. Take a step back offensively, step up defensively.

On paper, the 76ers have the most dominant team in the league at the moment. Embiid’s health has been a concern throughout his career, but with the talent on the roster, he will need to lock in and play an instrumental role as the 76ers look to win their first championship in 43 years.

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