It is quite paradoxical to think that despite Jayson Tatum leading his team to five Eastern Conference Finals, an NBA Championship where he led (the Boston Celtics) in scoring and rebounding, and also earning three All-NBA First Team nods within his first six years, he is not regarded as one of the next faces of the NBA. According to Carmelo Anthony , JT's aura doesn't have that 'it' factor as Anthony Edwards's .
Melo on what Tatum's aura is missing
Given that Edwards made his debut in the NBA three years after the Celtics forward and has three fewer All-Star and no All-NBA First Team selections to his name compared to Tatum yet has already started drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan, this shows just how his ascension extends beyond mere statistical achievements.
Speaking on his podcast, Melo emphasized that even though 'Taco Jay' is more successful, fans don't see him as the next big thing because he doesn't have exuberant Edwards-esque upfront confidence to claim to be the best among the greatest.
"He won. He's successful ," Melo said. "The reason why we put Anthony Edwards there is because of his aura. If JT had that aura, it's over."
Wade on how Edwards' demeanor could land him into trouble
Dwayne Wade added to his Olympic teammate's point by noting that while the media is currently enjoying Ant-Man making bold claims if the 22-year-old doesn't achieve success in the NBA or reach MVP level soon, the narrative about him will change quickly. The 13-time All-Star warned the Minnesota Timberwolves star just how rapidly players can go from hero to zero in the league.
"What I hate is, if in two years… the media is gonna change on him," Wade said . "He's telling you what he's gonna do and he's doin' it, right? But if he doesn't get to what he's sayin'... now it's gonna be (about) what he can't do. JT was in that same situation. We get to enjoy the innocence of Anthony Edwards right, everyone is playing, we love them. It's gonna change very soon because the expectations is gonna be there…. Because he talks."
That being said, there is no denying that there has always been an unrealistic expectation set toward Tatum that prohibits him from getting the recognition or accolades he deserves. It's still up in the air whether Ant, with all his MJ-like confidence, can indeed live up to his bold claims.
Related: Tatum recalls crying as an 11-year-old because he didn't get LeBron's autograph: "He ain't tell me no, but he kinda told me no"
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