When discussing the best players in the NBA, Jayson Tatum is often overlooked despite having a stacked resume. This is either because he doesn't exhibit a "star" personality or because fans quickly rule out his heroics since he plays on a stacked Boston Celtics team.
Even last season, despite leading his team in scoring in the regular season, Eastern Conference Finals, and NBA Finals, he was snubbed from all major awards. According to Lou Williams , the 26-year-old forward is definitely frustrated and will be trying to prove his worth more comprehensively in the 2024-25 season.
Williams says Tatum is pissed off
While fans and media circuits have been quick to label Anthony Edwards as the most electrifying player after he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the WC Finals, even Shai Gilegous Alexander is similarly celebrated for leading the young OKC Thunder to a top 3 offensive and defensive ratings in the league, Tatum has been awarded the spotlight despite achieving more than both these players combined.
Despite three All-NBA First Team selections, averaging as high as 30.1 points per game, and leading the Celtics to the EC Finals five times since entering the league in 2017, "Taco Jay" is neglected in discussions about the top five players in the NBA, let alone as a potential face of the league.
So, before the 2024-25 NBA season begins, the three-time 6MOTY is certain that JT will be itching to shut his critics by going on a revenge tour.
"As mentioned, he's pissed off. I still think he's one of the two top players in the league," Lou said . "You know, obviously, that can be interchangeable depending on health. That's going to be a big catalyst for how this season goes, but he's still right there with Luka, he's still right there with SGA and Jokic, and those are the top four guys... I still feel like Jayson Tatum is a Top-5 guy."
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Tatum can change the narrative about himself
Unlike previous seasons, the Celtics will face a more difficult challenge to secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, with teams like the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers significantly improving their rosters and posing serious competition.
If Tatum can lead Boston to the same level of dominance they enjoyed in the 2023-24 season. In that case, there is no doubt he will be among the frontrunners for the MVP award.
Additionally, having finally led the Celtics to their 18th NBA championship, Jayson has proven he can thrive under pressure and deserves to be given equal, impartial consideration as the best player in the league.
Related: Jaylen Brown claims he was left off the All-Defensive Team last season: "I guarded the best player on every team and picked up full court"
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