In today’s NBA, even one subpar performance can heavily impact a player’s reputation. Jayson Tatum is currently facing such scrutiny. Although the Boston Celtics secured an emphatic championship, Tatum didn’t perform up to his usual standards. Jaylen Brown took center stage, earning the Finals MVP. Following this, Tatum’s time with Team USA drew criticism. On Gil’s Arena, former NBA player Brandon Jennings questioned whether Tatum was truly the Celtics’ go-to guy, but Gilbert Arenas pushed back against this narrative.

Gilbert Arenas, known for his straightforward opinions, brought facts to back up his defense of Tatum. At 26, Tatum is already a perennial All-Star, an All-NBA regular, and one of the NBA’s top players. Arenas argued that Tatum is facing criticism not for a lack of talent, but because his past successes have set an incredibly high bar—one that rivals even Kobe Bryant’s early career.

“I can see why they f***ing him. The n**** has too many accolades already. He would have already by the age of 25 already had two Eastern Conference Finals MVPs, All-Star MVP. He does 2021-22. Yes, he does have one. If he would have got it this year, he would’ve had 2 of them and the Finals MVP. He would have probably been the most decorated kid by the age of 25 besides somebody like Kobe, but Kobe only had 3 All-Stars,” said the former Wizards guard.

When discussing the Celtics’ championship run, it’s easy to see why Jaylen Brown might have been seen as the stronger performer, excelling on both ends of the floor and making decisive plays. However, Tatum has also stepped up in crucial moments throughout his career, like challenging LeBron James in his rookie year or scoring 51 points in a Game 7 against the Sixers two seasons ago.

Indeed, the past few months have been tough for Tatum. His quiet performance with Team USA in Paris only fueled the debate that Jaylen Brown may be the Celtics’ top player. But it’s important not to overlook Tatum’s remarkable achievements in just seven seasons in the league.

Jayson Tatum stands among the under-25 greats

It’s rare for a rookie to be given a vital role on a competitive team, but Tatum had no choice. After an impressive college season, he quickly became a key role player for the Celtics. He didn’t always have the freedom to showcase his full range of skills, as his focus was on helping the team win.

Not only did he improve at his job season after season, but he earned a place beside some of the greatest basketball players ever. Before turning 25, Tatum had scored 9,429 points, the 7th most for any player in NBA history. His 1021 three-pointers within that span place him above Luka Doncic by a margin of nearly 150.

In terms of any Celtics record, his name is splashed over every accolade. Even when the likes of Holiday and Porzingis were introduced, his mastery over scoring didn’t sink. He averaged 26.9 points per game in the regular season while leading the team in both offensive and defensive win shares.

Regardless of the role he played, Jayson Tatum has consistently prevailed, demonstrating the same commanding presence as past NBA icons. A single season shouldn’t tarnish his reputation—he still remains one of the most talented players in the league. With renewed focus and motivation, Tatum could match the intensity of his teammate Jaylen Brown in the seasons to come.