The Boston Celtics currently hold the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. They are led by one of the best starting lineups in the entire NBA. The defending NBA Champions are currently 42-16 after just defeating the Toronto Raptors.
Jayson Tatum has been the foundation of the Celtics alongside Jaylen Brown since he arrived in the league in the 2017-2018 season. Over these last nine seasons together, the two stars have been very successful.
Tatum and Brown have reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018, 2020, and 2023 while making two NBA Finals appearances in 2022 and 2024, winning the 2024 NBA Championship.
Tatum also boasts six NBA All-Star selections, three All-NBA First Team selections, and an All-Star MVP award. With such a stacked resume, one would assume Tatum feels like one of the most decorated and respected players in the league.
Jayson Tatum Feels He Deserves More Respect
Tatum has been a top-tier player for years now, but he feels like he hasn’t received the proper credit for what he’s accomplished. When asked by the Washington Post if he feels he’s properly respected, Tatum had this to say:
“Honestly, no… If you took the name and the face away from all my accomplishments and you’re just like, ‘This is what this Player A accomplished at 26,’ people would talk about me a lot differently.”
At 26 years old, Tatum is an NBA Champion, perennial All-Star, and one of the best players in the league. He’s been in MVP conversations, has been to multiple Conference Finals and NBA Finals, and boasts quite the resume for his age.
There’s always a lot of discourse on the NBA and the league’s top teams, so whenever two stars are playing together, some will try to discredit one or both. With Tatum, his legacy is still growing, and he’s got many years ahead.
Tatum’s Trainer Drew Harlan Likens Him to Michael Jordan
Tatum is on a great trajectory with his career, and his trainer Drew Harlan feels strongly about his resume. Harlan believes Tatum should be compared to Michael Jordan, considering his age and their resumes around that same age.
Drew Hanlen says to compare Jayson Tatum’s résumé at age 26 to Michael Jordan’s
“I think he has a Hall-of-Fame resume already at 26 years old. I think he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his prime yet. I think we’re watching one of the greatest basketball players ever to… pic.twitter.com/E352Iy9DnT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 25, 2025
“I think he has a Hall-of-Fame resume already at 26 years old. I think he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his prime yet. I think we’re watching one of the greatest basketball players ever to play the game. When it is all said and done, I think he will be mentioned as one of the best basketball players that has ever played.”
While it might feel like a stretch to say Tatum should be compared to Jordan, the Celtics show no signs of slowing down. Tatum could win more championships, win the Finals MVP, and continue to add to his success.
As Tatum’s career continues and the accolades build more and more, it will be impossible for fans and media to not give him the respect he has earned.
