Just months after becoming an NBA champion for the first time, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics might be having his best season ever.
Ryen Russillo and Bill Simmons recently spoke about Tatum, per NBACentral, and what he is doing night after night and Russillo argued that Tatum currently has a higher trade value than Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
He said Tatum’s work might not be as flashy and may not receive as much attention, but his consistency and the way he handles other defenses have to be seen to be believed.
Ryen Russillo argues that Jayson Tatum has a higher trade value than Giannis Antetokounmpo
“This is the best Tatum has ever played.”
(🎥 @ringer )
pic.twitter.com/lFSUwohssN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 29, 2025
Simmons, a lifelong Celtics fan, readily agreed and said that all other teams attempt to do whatever they can to slow Tatum down, but they just can’t.
Tatum is averaging 26.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in 2024-25, shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from the three-point line.
He is playing a much more aggressive style of basketball and is bullying his way to the basket or outsmarting his opponents.
Plus, he has been very healthy all season, even during back-to-back games.
Right now, neither Tatum nor Antetokounmpo will be leaving their teams, but Russillo believes the trade value for Tatum is higher.
His smarts, his consistency, and his health all come together to give the Celtics a player who can be relied upon and who can lead.
Tatum has heard plenty of criticisms about him, especially during last summer and throughout the Olympics.
Has he listened to them, and has that caused his uptick in production and aggression?
Or is this just a natural evolution of his game?
No matter what has caused it, Tatum is impressing many people and reminding fans why he’s one of the most celebrated players in the NBA.
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