What does it take to earn a spot in the NBA’s elite tier of players? In a league brimming with exceptional talent, debates about who belongs in the top five or top ten are perpetually contested.
Hypothetically speaking, imagine a player with a resume boasting six All-Star selections, four All-NBA honors, two Olympic gold medals and an NBA championship. On top of that, this player is one of only three in NBA history to surpass 13,000 points and 4,000 rebounds before the age of 27. Luckily, we don’t have to live in a world of hypotheticals to find a player with such a collection of accolades.
These accomplishments belong to Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, whose production rivals that of some of the NBA’s all-time greats. Since being selected by the Celtics while 3rd overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum has reached every statistical threshold to warrant consideration as one of today’s best players. Currently in his 8th season, he’s putting up an absurd stat line of 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.
In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Tatum addressed his lack of appreciation and praise in spite of his consistent production and winning. “If you took the name and the face away from all my accomplishments and you’re just like, ‘This is what this Player A accomplished at 26,’ people would talk about me a lot differently,” said Tatum.
Tatum’s career has been marred by relentless scrutiny, with expectations often focused on what he hasn’t accomplished rather than his tremendous achievements. If his name and face were different, it’s easy to imagine him as an undisputed face of the NBA, celebrated for his accomplishments rather than dissected at every turn.
Tatum’s scoring ability at 6-foot-8 is nothing short of exceptional. He is a versatile offensive threat who can rack up points at all three levels while also showcasing the elite level ball handling ability to relentlessly exploit mismatches. Additionally, Tatum has developed into a skilled playmaker, with his passing and court vision growth elevating the Celtics into one of the league’s most efficient offensive units throughout his ascension.
Tatum’s prowess extends beyond just the offensive side of the ball. As an impact defender, he uses his length, strength and agility to disrupt opposing offenses, whether through on-ball defense or by using his sound instincts to help in passing lanes. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, making him one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
Perhaps Tatum’s most impressive attribute is his durability. Tatum has been a model of consistency throughout his career, having never missed more than eight games in a season and has started every one of the 113 playoff games he’s appeared in.
Despite his undeniable talent, Jayson Tatum often flies under the radar, largely because he doesn’t fit the mold of a flashy star. His uncontroversial nature and commitment to simply playing basketball without drama or bold statements can make him seem “boring” compared to other players who put themselves in the spotlight. In contrast, Tatum’s humility is evident in press conferences, where he credits his teammates and prioritizes collective success over personal accolades.
It’s time for Tatum to receive the recognition he deserves as one of the NBA’s best. His numbers and resume speak for themselves, as his stellar play continues to lead a top-ranked Celtics team destined to make another NBA Finals run in 2025.