Can Jayson Tatum Truly Become a Top-15 Player of All Time?

In the world of basketball, there are very few players who manage to leave a mark on the sport and go down in history books. Players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, and a handful of others managed to achieve that feat. Due to these players’ impact on basketball, they are considered among the top 15 best players ever to step foot on the court.

However, there are also some players who are currently playing in the league and already have a legacy of their own. Veteran players like Lebron James, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant have elevated the sport of basketball. But these players have also been around for a long time. But is there any player in the current generation who is capable of being a top-15 player of all time?

Which are the stars with the skill set of a top-15 player?

There are a lot of talented players in the NBA currently. But out of them, there are some players who have proved time and again that they are the cornerstones of their teams. Out of those one is Devin Booker. The Phoenix Suns’ dynamic shooting guard, appears to be on a roll since breaking into the NBA at the age of 18. Already a three-time All-Star and All-NBA pick, Booker’s offensive skills and effect on a successful team make him a potential Top 15 candidate.

Another player who has swept the league by surprise with his one-of-a-kind skill set is the Slovenian Sensation, Luka Doncic. His exceptional performances, including a record-setting 60-point triple-double, have distinguished him as a four-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection at the age of 23. Doncic’s trajectory placed him in the debate among prospective Top 15 possibilities, with an already excellent background and a flair for rewriting the record books.

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However, there is one player who is being talked about by a lot of analysts as a definite top-15 candidate. And that player is the Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. At the young age of 25, this athlete received three All-NBA honors for his outstanding display on both sides of the court. Last season was a career-high for him as he was the force that led his team to the finals of the NBA. He was averaging 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Due to this, many of the sports analysts talk about this 25-year-old forward.

Why is Tatum speculated as a top-15 player at such a young age?

On JJ Reddick’s podcast, the host spoke about the top 15 players of all time. He pointed out the differences between players who are talented and can make first-team All-NBA and all-time greats. And for him, the great doesn’t mean MVPs, it is taking a team to a conference finals or finals as their best player. However, with that, the player should have longevity. And according to his panelist, Tim Leger, the player who ticks all these boxes for him is Jayson Tatum.

He said, “There’s gotta be some level of team success to this point. This guy should lead teams to championships or multiple championships cause that’s what it’s gonna take to get in the list. I guess you start thinking about names like Jayson Tatum, Luka, and Giannis, they would be the three guys on top of the list.”

He further added, “People would say now how could you put Tatum in this category with those guys I don’t know. But the guy seems to make a perennial appearance right now like in the final four of the NBA. Right, like he’s a conference finalist at all times. He’s at the right age that if this turns and he wins multiple championships as the best player of the team and he is going to put up 25-30000 points in his career if he stays healthy. Okay, now you are in that category.”

How has Tatum’s career trajectory been?

Tatum’s breakout playoff performances, including a trip to the NBA Finals, occurred at the age of 23, setting to rest the notion that young players cannot lead their teams to championship glory. JT’s perseverance in the face of ailments, including fractured wrist and shoulder problems, demonstrates his dedication to the game. Despite failures, he continues to progress and improve, which is a credit to his hard work and devotion.

When looking at Tatum’s scoring trajectory, he is on track to join the elite group of players. The list of athletes like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Kobe Bryant, who all scored 12,000 career points before the conclusion of their age-25 season. However, beyond his attacking prowess, he also desires to attain an All-Defensive team which makes him more likely to be a candidate for the MVP. His offensive strength is strong, no doubt, but his defensive attributes are also impressive.

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Jayson Tatum’s career has been one of constant development, overcoming obstacles, and striving for greatness. Whether he eventually ranks among the best 15 players of all time is unknown, but his passion for the game and increasing skill set make it a sure-shot possibility.