In a recent appearance on the podcast "Club 520," former Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams addressed the comparisons between Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic. While his time with the latter on the Dallas Mavericks was brief, the former Tennessee Volunteer played with both stars. That adds weight to his insight on this popular discussion topic for NBA fans.
"JT impacts winning more. So, how you determine which one is a better player -- that's on you to decide," said Williams. "The way he impacts winning is unprecedented. He impacts the game at every facet. He can defend, he's a playmaker, [and] he can score. He's a 6'10 wing that can do it all. That's the best way to describe it."
That reality has become painfully obvious and impossible to ignore. While the Los Angeles Lakers' struggles don't entirely fall on one person's shoulders, seeing them flounder drives home his take. The purple and gold are in sixth in the Western Conference standings. They are one game from falling into the play-in tournament.
As for Doncic, while an incredible offensive talent, even this new, slimmed-down version of himself is a prime target on defense. He's impactful on the glass, something that one should not gloss over. However, his lack of commitment and effectiveness when the Lakers don't have the ball is a massive impediment to his and the team's hopes of winning a championship together.
There's also the fact that Doncic whines too much to the officials. It's an area he has seemingly regressed in during the current campaign. It's why ESPN's Brian Windhorst delivered this scathing takedown of the six-time All-Star during the NBA Finals against the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum is a more complete star than Luka Doncic
That reality should have been clear a long time ago. Now, it's impossible to miss. When the two sides squared off in the NBA Finals, Tatum didn't just lead Boston in scoring, assists, and rebounds; he was a crucial cog in their defensive game plan.
Joe Mazzulla had his star forward guard the Mavericks' centers, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. That didn't just hinder Dallas's pick-and-roll attack; more importantly, it neutralized a critical part of their offensive repertoire, taking away their lob threats.
Conversely, at the other end of the floor, Boston didn't hesitate to attack Doncic. If losing in the NBA Finals or the Mavericks' shockingly trading him to the Lakers, then taking cheap shots at him on his way to Los Angeles, didn't motivate him to become a better defender, then what will?
What the 2024 NBA Finals drove home, which has remained true throughout their NBA careers, is that Luka Doncic is a remarkable talent. However, Jayson Tatum drives winning at a higher level.