In a recent appearance on the Point Forward podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared his perspective on the greatest NBA players of all time. Tatum named Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Stephen Curry as his top six players in NBA history.
Tatum began his list with Michael Jordan, a common choice in the ongoing debate about the greatest of all time (GOAT). LeBron James followed in the second position. Notably, Tatum placed Kobe Bryant third, showcasing his admiration for the late Lakers legend and his influence on the Celtics star. Tatum acknowledged that he had not seen Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play but expressed respect for Abdul-Jabbar’s contributions to the game.
The inclusion of Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry rounded out Tatum’s list of the top six players in NBA history. Tatum’s choices reflect his appreciation for both historical and contemporary basketball greatness, with a mix of iconic figures from different eras.
Tatum’s list drew attention for the absence of Celtics legend Larry Bird, a notable figure in the franchise’s history. However, Tatum’s selections appeared to reflect his personal preferences and influences, emphasizing his authenticity in expressing his views.
In discussing Tatum’s potential to enter the conversation of all-time greats, the article notes that Tatum has been a consistent performer for the Celtics, leading them to multiple Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance. Tatum’s individual achievements and contributions to his team’s success position him as one of the young players with the potential to attain all-time status in the league. The article also highlights the pressure on Tatum to secure team success, particularly with the strong roster the Celtics have assembled in the current season.
Ultimately, Tatum’s journey toward being considered among the NBA’s all-time greats is seen as contingent on his ability to lead the Celtics to championship success. The article suggests that Tatum’s team achievements, coupled with individual excellence, could solidify his legacy in the league. Conversely, a lack of titles could potentially raise questions about his standing among the all-time greats.
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