Celtics' Jayson Tatum Already Named Top 100 NBA Player of All Time

Bleacher Report has ranked Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum as the 93rd greatest player in NBA history on their all-time top 100 list. This recognition comes after just eight seasons in the league.

Despite his relatively short career, Tatum's accomplishments include six All-Star selections, four All-NBA First Team honors, one All-NBA Third Team honor, an Eastern Conference Finals MVP award, and winning the 2024 NBA championship. Many believe the 27-year-old is only beginning his peak.

Statistically, Tatum has averaged 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game during the regular season, shooting 45.9% from the field and 37% from three-point range. His performance elevates in the playoffs, averaging 24.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.

Bleacher Report acknowledged that ranking Tatum after eight seasons might seem premature but justified his inclusion. They stated that he "has been a positive-impact player on both sides of the ball since entering the league, mostly for a title contender, and already was the best player on a championship team" before turning 28.

A significant factor in Tatum's future legacy will be his recovery from a brutal Achilles tendon tear suffered recently, which is expected to sideline him for most of the upcoming year. While historically devastating for elite athletes, Tatum has shown promising progress, including being out of his supportive boot.

The article concludes that while his first eight seasons warrant a top-100 spot, Tatum's future performance, particularly post-injury, could see his ranking rise closer to number one in the years ahead.