Jayson Tatum is a Top 10 player. Barely
Here’s the list:
Kevin Durant:
There is no really argument here. You could argue he was hurt and missed games, but let’s be real. He’s #1 in the world.
Giannis Antetokounmpo:
I have my reservation with Giannis. Specifically as a late game finisher. He lacks the shooting to really be that guy. However, his dominance in every other facet of the game in undeniable. As a defending champion, 2X MVP, defensive player of the year. He’s still only 27. Giannis is special.
Nicola Jokic:
He shoots, he passes, rebounds, defends. He’s been called the white Larry Bird. If Jokic wasn’t buried in the obscurity of the Denver market he would consistently be in the conversation as top 3 player in the NBA if he isn’t already.
Joel Embid:
This pains me to say, because I think Embid’s game is so soft. He should be Shaq in his prime instead of launching fade away 3’s. However, he will most likely be the MVP this season. Even if he gets the softest whistle in the league he is a force night in night out.
Lebron James:
His team sucks and he’s old. But, even if you didn’t take into consideration his legacy and seniority his numbers put him in this conversation. Make no mistake if Lebron was a competing roster he would be leading that team on a deep run still. The best part is we get to blame him for that shitty roster. Still an elite player.
Steph Curry:
The best shooter the league has ever seen. The scoring run he had earlier this season was unconscionable. The Warriors have been a top 2 or 3 team in the West all season long despite injuries and Klay rounding into form. He’s a Three time champion. First unanimous MVP. The league’s best PG. Add it all up = Elite.
James Harden:
Look, I would not want this guy on my team. I think he brings with him a giant bag of loser and stripper money. You can’t deny the talent though. His offensive skills will rival anybody and not just as a shooter. He averages over 10 assists per game. He’s got the size to affective on the boards too. He is probably capable of keeping his composure for less than 1/2 a season which should be Philly dangerous. Imagine if he did have the desire to be great? Such a shame.
Jayson Tatum:
There you have it. #8 on the list. It’s a shaky 8 though. The latest sample size is big enough to get him here, not too far removed to remember the warts from just a couple months ago. Tatum has played his way into the elite class since Christmas. His game has rounded out rapidly. His vision and efficiency is terrific. Defensively he doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Go look at him lock up on Durant and Kyrie in the latest Nets game. Most importantly his body language is that of a leader not a whiney bitch. There is no substitute for that. He will have to keep this up because the next grouping of guys are right on his heals.
Luka Doncic:
Luka may have a better overall game than Tatum at this point, but he hasn’t won shit. At this point, 3 years into his career, it has to start being accounted for. He’s never won a playoff series. His teams have not been that terrible. Between him and Tatum though it’s very close.
Ja Morant:
We just saw this match-up up close between Ja and Tatum. Tatum won. Ja has been electric this season. His play is infectious and his skills are on full display. It’s going to be hard for an undersized guard to constantly be a top 10 player if you’re not a pure shooter however. It’s what separates the Curry’s, Lillard, Kyrie, etc. If he can improve that part of his game, sky is the limit.
There’s your 2022 top 10 as of March 10th 2022. Some familiar names were left off mostly for injury reasons: Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul. Some were left off because this has just been a shitty year for them: Anthony Davis, Paul George. Some are tools and belong on the moon: Kyrie Irving. And some just missed the cut like a Donovan Mitchell who I love.
Tatum made though and he deserved to. It’s not permanent though. He’s got a lot of competition behind him and this year’s playoffs will say a lot about his standings in the NBA’s elite.
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