On paper, Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is currently among the NBA’s most accomplished athletes. However, the 2024 NBA Champion doesn’t feel he gets the deserving appreciation. He’s been vocal about this ever since and has the backing of many stars.
Celtics legend Paul Pierce understands why Tatum isn’t given the credit he merits. Pierce asserted on the most recent episode of the ‘Ticket and The Truth’ podcast that Tatum is receiving unwarranted criticism due to the animosity toward Boston.
Pierce revealed, “Because he plays for Boston. It’s just what it is. Even Larry Bird was underappreciated because at one point, he was the best player in the league, but it was always Magic… Boston is the most hated franchise, hated team in all of sports, in all of basketball for sure.”
It’s just different in Boston. ☘️
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With Jayson Tatum’s resume at just 26, he could very well be on a legendary trajectory. Why does it feel like his accomplishments get overlooked? pic.twitter.com/Jiow2hGUum
He added, “Like the guy has been to six Conference Finals in eight years. In eight years, two Finals. Like, if you match that up with like, KD’s and all the stars, they didn’t do that. Even like Luka (Doncic) been to one Finals, two Conference Finals.”
Paul Pierce’s assertion that Larry Bird was unappreciated undermines that lovely little hypothesis. Only five players in NBA history have been MVP more than once. Bird received the honor three times throughout his career. He also received all three of the MVP awards before Magic Johnson did, making him one of only three players to do it. Therefore, it is absurd to say that Johnson received all the praise while Bird was marginalized.
Jayson Tatum Isn’t Being Respected Despite Multiple Accomplishments
There are a number of reasons why Tatum might not receive the appropriate amount of respect. For most of his career, Tatum has been fortunate enough to play for teams with many excellent players. Therefore, his six Conference Final appearances in eight years are less highly regarded than someone like Luka Doncic. Donic only made it twice with a respectable but unimpressive supporting group.
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Tatum will only gain greater respect if he moves on to win more than one title. Balling out on the big stage, something he could not accomplish last year would also aid the 27-year-old’s chances if he wins Finals MVP.
Additionally, Tatum thinks he is best suited to be the NBA’s future face, and securing another championship would assist with that. Tatum would be one step closer to receiving the sort of attention he believes he deserves if the (43-18) Celtics were to win the championship again, which they have a decent chance of achieving. But for the time being, Tatum and the Celtics will focus on their next matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday at TD Garden.
