Jayson Tatum is part of the next generation of players poised to take over the mantle from the current greats. He is also the de facto best player on the league-leading Boston Celtics. Or at least that is what some tout the narrative. But Tatum told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that he is the best player in the NBA. This lofty claim led fans to react negatively on social media.
Tatum was the guest on a special edition of Sportscenter where Andrews asked him who he thinks is the best player in the league. He replied that it was himself.
Andrews then asked him to reconfirm his stance, as he held Giannis Antetokounmpo as the best player last year. Tatum pointed out that he has taken a step further than the other players in the league this season, to take over that mantle. He mentioned that even though there are great players in the league who he respects, he is the best now.
Jayson Tatum was long held as the leading superstar in the Celtics. His game has edged his fellow All-Star teammate Jaylen Brown to give him that mantle. Even though the addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have helped the Celtics be the best team in the league, Tatum has held his place as one of their best players.
Tatum is in his 7th season in the league. He already has three All-NBA selections during that time. His performance this season is slightly lower than last season as he has to share the court with 4 other All-Star caliber players. But that shouldn’t deter him from performing at an All-NBA level and reconfirming his claim that he is the best player in the NBA.
Fans react to the bold claim from Jayson Tatum
Basketball fans are a weird lot. They appreciate greatness when they see it, but also call out when they see bad performances. There are fans and there are critics. But, when they saw this bold claim from Jayson Tatum, they could not hold back from making their opinions heard on social media.
Fans react negatively to Jayson Tatum’s claim of being the best player in the NBA (Image via Boston Celtics/X)After all, it’s a tall claim from a player who hasn’t won an MVP yet. Nor has he single-handedly taken his team to a championship. Therefore, fans did not wait to give their two cents on this claim. Check some of them out below;
He’s not top 10 sadly. I respect the confidence though
— 👑𝟸𝟹 (@LakersFanatiic) February 20, 2024
Embid, Joker, Durant, Steph, Kawhi, SGA, Giannis, Bron, Luka, Booker
In no particular order.
All before Tatum
— ♠️🖤♠️ (@Mac_Roberts) February 21, 2024
He’s top 10 but not number 1
— DanteStevieJCollins aka CLB (@dantecollins_6) February 21, 2024
That’s a complete long shot. 🙄
— Gameday Gamblers (@GamedayGamblers) February 20, 2024
If Jayson Tatum thinks he’s the best player in the NBA then I must be the MVP of my living room basketball league!
— Sam khan (@Samkhan_co99) February 20, 2024
Well, confidence is key! But maybe let’s see some proof first. 🤔
— Chan Martin (@wewid1990) February 21, 2024
He’s not even the best player in the East
— Rashaun Butler (@Gold_Letterman) February 21, 2024
So telling Malika Andrews that he is the best player in the NBA is bold. Even though he said that he has taken the necessary steps forward, fans do not agree.
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