Boston Celtics: Ranking the top 10 players out east in the Disney bubble
By Mark Nilon
No. 3) Jayson Tatum
Following a relatively underwhelming 2018-19 campaign that many deemed somewhat of a “sophomore slump” — 15.7 points, six rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the floor — the 22-year-old has shown to the masses that, not only does he have what it takes to be one of the game’s best players but, to some, is already capable of being the “best player on a championship-caliber team.”
Through 59 games played in 2019-20, Tatum managed to post-career numbers seemingly all across the board, stuffing the stat sheet with 23.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and just shy of a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep.
Behind his excellence, the Boston Celtics were able to accumulate a stellar record of 43-21, good enough for third-best in the Eastern Conference, fifth-best in the entire association, had the team headed to their sixth-straight postseason appearance (clinched a berth on March 10th), and was selected to his first (of what should be many) All-Star game.
Going toe-to-toe with the likes of current NBA stars of the same, or similar position such as LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George (we all remember that filthy crossover, right?) and finding ways to have his team come out on top with his stellar all-around performances, Jayson Tatum has gotten the attention and respect from the vast majority of the game’s best current-crop of ballers.
He is an instant bucket whenever he’s on the hardwood, proving to have the capability of thriving both in creating for himself or finding a way to get open off the ball, defenders have been finding themselves sweating more than usual when assigned to the star wing.
From his sensational offensive prowess to his All-NBA deserving defensive play this season with the Boston Celtics, despite what Bleacher Report thinks, heading into the league’s resumption Tatum is without a doubt a top-3 player in the Eastern Conference.
No ifs, ands, or buts!