Here are three things that happen every day: the sun rises, a baby is born, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is being trashed all over social media for a 30-point performance. The five time All-Star has always been hit with critiques by a wide range of people, from angry Miami Heat fans on Twitter to Stephen A. Smith. As a star athlete, you expect these comments, but Tatum’s seem to go a bit far.
The 26-year-old can never catch a break with the media. He can have an incredible game and there will still be something wrong. On Saturday, May 26, 2024, he tuned out all of that noise and performed well under pressure. Yet, the chirping online continues.
36-8-10: Not Good Enough for Jayson Tatum
What can you do when you put up better stats than the ‘next Michael Jordan’ and get called a fake superstar? In Tatum’s case, there isn’t much that can be done. This is criticism he’s heard for years because he doesn’t have a ring yet. Many believe that he’s had too many chances and will only get his respect when there is a ring on his finger and a trophy in his hands.
However, even if the Boston Celtics raise banner 18 this season, the talks have already started on this being the next bubble ring due to the injured competition the Cs have faced. Everyone has seemed to forget that the Boston Celtics have been playing without starting center Kristaps Porzingus, forcing 37-year-old Al Horford to play 35 minutes and more in every game.
Also, the Celtics proved their dominance against the league with their first place 64-18 record. This is the record that put them as the first seed. Apparently, it’s been forgotten that the first seed is supposed to have the easiest path to the Finals.
The Stat Comparisons Just Don’t Work
The debate about Tatum being a superstar has been happening for around three seasons now. There are a lot of people who stand on both sides of the argument. The continuing push is that he can’t be a superstar without a ring because his stats don’t do enough for him. This is pure insanity though.
Since the 2021-22 season, Tatum has kept his points per game at 26+ every year. Let’s compare this to Luka Doncic. There is no question that Doncic is an incredible player and at this moment he’s been more clutch than Tatum. He’s been averaging a strong 30+ points per game since the 2022-23 season, with his 2021-22 stat being 28.4.
Here is the issue with this comparison. Once again Doncic is the more consistent player. However, he doesn’t have Jaylen Brown knocking down 23.0 per game, Kristaps Porzingis nailing 20.1 per game, Derrick White having 15.2, and Jrue Holiday bringing 12.5. Instead, he has Kyrie Irving providing 25.6 per game, and the rest of his team is falling under 15 points per game in the regular season. If Luka Doncic doesn’t hit 30+ a game the Dallas Mavericks don’t win.
Jayson Tatum isn’t running a solo mission with the Boston Celtics. This is a team that has been focused on playing together. Therefore, his lower statline is due to the star power that surrounds him.
Boston Celtics Need Banner 18
At this point in time, the only way for Jayson Tatum to be shown his respect and given his flowers is if the Boston Celtics can add a banner to the rafters. It’s critical that they get this done this season. They’ve been playing solid ball and have shown they can perform under serious pressure thanks to the persistent Indiana Pacers.
I fully believe that if Tatum can bring him the Finals win this season, the criticism will fall off a bit. Obviously, it’s also important he shows up next season to back up a championship win. However, lifting up that Larry O’Brien Trophy is exactly what Jayson Tatum needs to finally solidify his spot at the top.
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