The Quiet Star: Jayson Tatum’s Underappreciated Brilliance
Jayson Tatum, the 26-year-old superstar of the Boston Celtics, finds himself in an unexpected position: one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA. While he is beloved in Boston, outside of Beantown, Tatum often gets overshadowed. Many view him as just another star wing who has been fortunate to play alongside talented teammates. This perception, however, is not only unfair but also deeply misguided. Debates about Tatum’s status compared to players like Nikola Jokić are understandable, but suggesting that Tatum isn’t worth a supermax contract is absurd. This sentiment reached a head recently when Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus ranked Tatum’s contract as the second-worst in the NBA, behind Joel Embiid’s.
A Contract Worthy of a Top Star
Tatum’s contract is indeed massive, but that’s precisely because he is one of the league’s top players. Pincus argues that Tatum’s deal is so significant that it has to be near the top of the list of poorly valued contracts. However, this overlooks Tatum’s consistent performance and durability. Tatum is a talented player and one of the league’s top young stars, having earned his place as an All-Star starter. The notion that he might not live up to his contract, especially considering the league’s new rules, is baseless. Tatum’s salary may be higher than most, but his value to the Celtics is immeasurable. His contract is designed to reward and retain a player of his caliber.
Tatum’s Consistency and Impact
Pincus’s criticism that Tatum’s contract may not look great as veterans like Jrue Holiday and Al Horford age out is shortsighted. While it’s true that teams need to restock for future runs, Tatum’s presence ensures that the Celtics remain competitive. His durability and consistent performance make him a cornerstone of the franchise. Tatum has been a reliable and dominant force, both in the regular season and the playoffs. His ability to carry the team through tough stretches and come up big in clutch moments is a testament to his star power. Tatum’s impact on the court is undeniable, and his contract reflects his value.
Tatum Among the Elite
If a supermax deal is too expensive for Tatum, then there are only a handful of players in the league who deserve it. Currently, the only players objectively better than Tatum are Jokić and a fully healthy Luka Dončić. Some might argue that Giannis Antetokounmpo is superior, but Tatum’s head-to-head performance against Giannis in the playoffs suggests otherwise. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be ahead in the MVP race this season, but his lack of playoff experience puts him at a disadvantage compared to Tatum. In essence, Tatum is a top-five player in the NBA, and he is hence deserving of a supermax contract. If the Celtics had shied away from giving Tatum the supermax, 29 other teams would have been eager to offer it.
The Unfair Criticism
Pincus’s take on Tatum’s contract is not only laughable but also offensive to the game of basketball. Placing Tatum right behind Embiid, who has struggled with injuries, is insulting to Tatum’s consistent and durable performance. The supermax contract is designed to reward and retain the league’s top players, and Tatum fits that description perfectly. His contributions to the Celtics, both on and off the court, are invaluable. Tatum’s leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the game make him a role model and a franchise cornerstone. Criticizing his contract based on hypothetical future scenarios is unfair and lacks foresight.
A Bright Future for Tatum and the Celtics
Despite the misguided criticism, Tatum’s future with the Celtics looks bright. His contract ensures that the team will have a top-tier player at the core of their roster for the foreseeable future. Tatum’s growth and development, both as a player and a leader, will continue to drive the Celtics forward. His consistent performance and passion for the game make him a vital asset to the franchise. The Celtics have made a wise investment in Tatum, and it is only a matter of time before the broader NBA community recognizes his true value. Tatum’s journey is just beginning, and with his talent and work ethic, the sky is the limit.
