Approaching the top five of our top 25 list, we arrive at Jayson Tatum. The Boston Celtics superstar star wing combines prolific scoring with an impressive all-around skill set. Tatum is fresh off an NBA Championship and is ready to compete for another this season. Let’s examine Tatum’s game and his spot on this list.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 6 – Jayson Tatum
A Well-Rounded Superstar
Once known as solely an elite three-level scorer in recent years, Tatum has become one of the most well-rounded stars. He is a high-quality playmaker, rebounder, and defender, all while remaining an elite scoring threat. As a playmaker Tatum facilities much of the Celtics’ offense and has particularly developed a drive-and-kick game. Tatum’s size and strength allow him to play a versatile defensive role. This all-around skill set allows Tatum to impact the game even if he isn’t scoring.
Season Recap
After years of deep playoff runs in Tatum’s seventh season he and the Celtics broke through winning the NBA Championship. Seeing Tatum alongside Jaylen Brown deliver a championship to Boston after years of being so close was incredibly exciting. Tatum’s well-rounded impact was on full display in the playoffs. Notably, in the playoffs, Tatum led the team in points (25), rebounds (9.7), and assists (6.3) becoming just the sixth player in history to accomplish this while winning the title. In doing so he joined all-time greats Larry Bird, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic.
Jayson Tatum is the 6th player in NBA history to lead his team in playoff points, rebounds, and assists while winning the title:
🏀 Jayson Tatum (2024)
🏀 Nikola Jokic (2023)
🏀 LeBron James (2012, 2013, 2016)
🏀 Tim Duncan (2003)
🏀 Hakeem Olajuwon (1994)
🏀 Larry Bird (1984) pic.twitter.com/x3PCobej4G— DraftKings (@DraftKings) June 18, 2024
While many people criticized Tatum’s scoring efficiency (42.7 percent from the field, 28.3 percent from three) his all-around play was undeniably a crucial part of Boston’s success. Tatum initiated much of the Celtics’ offense as a point forward while receiving incredibly difficult defense coverage. Defensively he would often guard opposing big men. Ultimately, he did whatever it took to win and contributed in a variety of ways. Impressively, Tatum surpassed Kobe Bryant as the top playoff scorer before age 27. This feat is a testament to Tatum’s consistent playoff play, and scoring abilities. Tatum also had some memorable performances including 31 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in Game 5 to clinch the title and 36 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in Game 3 of the Conference Finals.
In the regular season, Tatum was the primary engine for a 64-win Celtics squad. He averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 47.1/37.6/83.3 shooting splits. Tatum’s 4.2 defensive win shares ranked ninth in the league, his 6.4 offensive win shares ranked 12th in the league and his 10.4 overall win shares ranked 10th. Notably, Tatum earned his fifth All-Star appearance, fourth All-NBA selection, third straight All-NBA first team, and finished sixth in MVP voting.
Season Outlook
The Celtics elected to run it back with virtually the same roster. As a result, Tatum and the Celtics are poised to repeat as champions. The core of Tatum, Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford is as talented and balanced as it gets. While several teams including the Knicks, Thunder, and 76ers made big moves the Celtics are still favored to win the title.
After a summer of constant criticism and receiving lackluster playing time in the Olympics Tatum will have some extra motivation to avoid a championship hangover. Notably, Tatum tweaked his jump shot over the summer. While it doesn’t look like a massive difference it appears that he got rid of a small hitch at the top of his shot and the overall shot looks smoother. Tatum’s new jumper could help improve his scoring efficiency.
Without Porzingis Tatum’s presence as a rebounder will be even more important. The Celtics will also continue to count on Tatum’s elite scoring and his ability to help orchestrate the offense as a playmaker. If the Celtics can replicate their success and Tatum’s stellar play continues he could end up in MVP conversations. Given Boston’s overall talent and other star’s importance to their team, Tatum will likely be on the outside looking in however, a top-five MVP finish feels very possible.
The Last Word
Tatum is perhaps the most divisive star. Some point out Tatum’s scoring inefficiencies in the playoffs along with the elite supporting cast around him to label him as overrated or not a top-10 player. Others believe Tatum is a clear top 10 player and could be as high as five. In my eyes, far too many people focus on the roster around Tatum but ignore how he impacts the game in a multitude of ways. Tatum’s well-rounded skill set combined with his elite scoring cement his status as a superstar. Ultimately, Tatum’s ability to impact every facet of the game along with his consistent success throughout his career justify his spot on the list.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
