NBA stars Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner featured Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum on their “Point Forward” podcast during a recent visit to Boston. In his seventh NBA season, Tatum, fresh off his fourth consecutive All-Star selection, is widely regarded as a rising star and, by some accounts, a top-five player in the league.
During the podcast, Iguodala recalled a 2021 conversation with Tatum that left an impression on him. Iguodala shared that he tested Tatum’s mindset with a simple question about the best player in the league, a response that surprised and disappointed the former Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors player.
“I check folks’ temperature by asking one question,” Iguodala explained. “It just gives me a feel for who they are. So I asked him who was the best player in the league. The answer he gave me, my heart dropped.”
Tatum’s response at the time was Giannis Antetokounmpo, emphasizing the context of Antetokounmpo’s recent NBA championship win. Despite acknowledging his respect for those who achieve success, Iguodala expressed a desire for a more assertive response.
While Iguodala loves Tatum’s overall approach to interviews, he admitted, “It irks me. Sometimes, I just want you to go crazy on ’em and just let ’em know.”
Tatum defended his response, stating that when he steps on the court, he believes he is the best player, regardless of his acknowledgment of Antetokounmpo’s recent achievements. Tatum has indeed evolved into one of the league’s elite players, with three All-NBA selections and impressive statistics, including a career-high 30.1 points per game in the previous season.
For Tatum to solidify himself as the best player in the game, the podcast suggests he needs to lead the Celtics to an NBA championship, an achievement that has eluded him despite coming close.
"I'm … humbly, one of the best basketball players in the world."
Jayson Tatum after Game 6 win vs. Sixers pic.twitter.com/ANd13uB0MD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 12, 2023
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