On the Boston Celtics media day, Jayson Tatum and others had several interviews with media members. In an interview with the NBC Sports Boston panel, Tatum said, “You haven’t seen the best version of Jayson Tatum yet.” Tatum has comfortably been a top player in the NBA for the past few seasons and is only 26. So, if there is still another ceiling for Tatum to reach, it will be interesting for Celtics fans and the NBA to see just how good he can be.
Jayson Tatum’s Expectations
Jayson Tatum has faced great expectations for most of his career. Since Kyrie Irving left the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum has been expected to be the franchise guy. When Tatum proved he was a player that a team could be built around, the expectations shifted. Tatum leading the Boston Celtics to multiple Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance was not enough. Tatum had to dominate every game and lead the team, and if he did not, he would face massive scrutiny.
According to many, Jayson Tatum still has much left to prove. His performance in the Celtics’ playoff run was not bad, but it was not up to his usual standards. His shooting was the most glaring issue. But Jayson Tatum contributed in other ways so that even when jumpers weren’t falling, he still had his fingerprints all over the game with assists, rebounds, and good defense. After the finals, where the Celtics won in five games, Tatum went to the Olympics with Celtic teammates Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. Again, he struggled with perimeter shooting and sat multiple games on the bench.
Now, after playoff and Olympic struggles, Jayson Tatum faces more pressure and expectations. But the difference is that Tatum is now placing the expectations on himself. On The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jayson Tatum picked himself to win MVP in the 2024-25 season. Then, at media day, Tatum said that we had not seen the best of him yet. There is a clear confidence and motivation in Tatum and his words, and it will hopefully inspire another level of play on the court.
This past season, Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, making the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive year and finishing sixth in MVP voting. So, if there is a better version of Jayson Tatum, then Boston Celtics fans and the NBA are in for a treat.
Can Jayson Tatum Reach Another Level?
If Jayson Tatum truly does have a higher ceiling yet to be seen, then it starts with his jump shot. Tatum was inefficient shooting the ball in the Olympics and in the playoffs. So, if he wants to take his game to the next level, he will need to get more consistent shooting the ball. The off nights will happen, as they do with any player, but they cannot be as frequent.
But besides the shooting, Tatum has been the engine that makes the Boston Celtics run. Against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, Tatum initiated a lot of the offense, drawing defensive attention and dishing to the open man. If he can maintain this unselfish playstyle and stay strong defensively, there is no reason to believe he can’t get better if the shooting improves.
Final Thoughts
Jayson Tatum has already established himself as a top player in the NBA, despite his inconsistencies. He is one of the best tw0-way players in the NBA and can have an impact even without scoring. If there is a better version of him to be unlocked, then it will be a great thing for the Boston Celtics, as they look to make another title run.
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