Recently, Boston Celtics icon Paul Pierce shared his thoughts on the rising star Jayson Tatum, comparing him favorably to NBA legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Pierce’s bold claim adds a new layer to the ongoing debate about Tatum’s place among basketball’s elite.
Tatum and the Celtics recently clinched their first NBA championship in nearly twenty years, defeating Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals. Although Tatum did not capture the Finals MVP—an honor that went to his teammate Jaylen Brown—he delivered a standout performance in Game 5 with 31 points and 11 assists, proving his mettle when it mattered most.
Throughout the NBA community, opinions on Tatum’s ranking have been polarized. Some Celtics fans argue he surpasses Luka Doncic, while others contend he isn’t even a top ten player in the league. Paul Pierce’s recent comments on FS1’s “Undisputed” are sure to fuel this debate. Pierce suggested that if choosing players for a pickup game, despite Tatum’s current prowess, many would instinctively opt for LeBron, Curry, or Durant due to their established legacies, even though they are past their prime.
Tatum is currently training with James, Curry, and Durant as part of Team USA, preparing for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. The question of who the best player on this star-studded team is has sparked widespread discussion, especially in a quiet period for NBA news.
Assessing Tatum’s standing in the NBA is complex. He possesses many qualities desirable in a franchise player: defensive prowess, efficient shooting, exceptional driving ability, and improved playmaking skills. However, Tatum’s game is not without flaws. His tendency to take difficult, contested shots in crucial moments, reminiscent of his idol Kobe Bryant, has been a point of criticism. Despite this, Tatum showed significant growth during the Celtics’ 2024 playoff run, often making smarter plays in clutch situations, particularly in the series against the Indiana Pacers.
Pierce’s comments are unlikely to sit well with fans of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, igniting further debate about where Tatum truly ranks among the NBA’s best.
