These days, a single uncharacteristic performance becomes a permanent stain on NBA careers. Jayson Tatum is living through it. During the Celtics’ emphatic championship, the scoring forward didn’t produce his regular numbers. Jaylen Brown stepped into those shoes, pulling off a marvelous postseason and claiming Finals MVP. Later, JT’s stint with Team USA made him the laughingstock of the NBA. On Gil’s Arena, former hooper Brandon Jennings hinted at him ‘not being the guy’. But Gilbert Arenas wasn’t letting that narrative misguide the public.
Agent Zero is rather simple when it comes to his arguments. His opinion comes with facts. And frankly, in the case of Jayson Tatum, the Boston ace has a myriad of achievements. At only 26, he is a perennial All-Star, and All-NBA regular and among the most celebrated athletes in the NBA. Even then, Arenas agreed with the hate, but not for the same reasons as his co-host. He believes Tatum is being scrutinized for his bad phase because of his previous flourishing, a resume that he believes rivals Kobe Bryant.
“I can see why they f***ing him. The n**** has too many accolades already. He would have already by the age of 25 already had two Eastern Conference Finals MVPs, All-Star MVP. He does 2021-22. Yes, he does have one. If he would have got it this year, he would’ve had 2 of them and the Finals MVP. He would have probably been the most decorated kid by the age of 25 besides somebody like Kobe but Kobe only had 3 All-Stars,” said the former Wizards guard.
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USA Today via Reuters Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy with his son after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks after game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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If the conversation revolves around his contributions during the Celtics’ championship heist, it might be fair to put him below Jaylen Brown. The explosive forward was excellent on both sides and took the brunt of making decisive plays consistently. However, Tatum has done so too, maybe since he was a rookie when he bravely challenged LeBron James. Or when he put up 51 against the Sixers in a Game 7 two seasons ago.
Agreed, the past few months have been dreading for the 26-year-old. His dormant status with Team USA in Paris further boosted the arguments of Jaylen Brown is the best player for the Celtics. While that remains subjective, let’s not forget the sparkling achievements of Tatum within just seven seasons in the league.
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Jayson Tatum stands among the under-25 greats
It’s rare for a rookie to be placed in vital roles on a team that is competing regularly. Tatum though didn’t have a choice. After his admirable collegiate season, he had to adjust to becoming a productive role player for the Shamrocks. He never had the space to flaunt his gifts since he had to remain under the strict limitations of helping the Celtics win.
Not only did he improve at his job season after season, but he earned a place beside some of the greatest basketball players ever. Before turning 25, Tatum had scored 9,429 points, the 7th most for any player in NBA history. His 1021 three-pointers within that span place him above Luka Doncic by a margin of nearly 150.
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In terms of any Celtics record, his name is splashed over every accolade. Even when the likes of Holiday and Porzingis were introduced, his mastery over scoring didn’t sink. He averaged 26.9 points per game in the regular season while leading the team in both offensive and defensive win shares.
No matter what role he was given, Jayson Tatum has prevailed, and done so with a command only icons have done in the past. Don’t let a single campaign rearrange his reputation. Tatum is still one of the most talented and deadly headliners. With vengeance on his mind for the first time, he might have the same vigor as his counterpart Jaylen Brown.