The Boston Celtics are comfortable favorites to come out victorious in their first-round series against the Miami Heat. The Celtics easily imposed their will on a Miami Heat team that didn’t have their star player, and Jayson Tatum will not let such a wonderful opportunity pass him by.
Tatum is eager to win his first NBA championship with the Celtics, and this year’s playoffs will prove to be one of the best opportunities for him and the squad to finally get over the hump and add their own banner to the Celtics’ impressive collection.
He’s played so well this season that one of the team’s most legendary players shared his honest thoughts on Tatum and what this means for the team.
Paul Pierce is synonymous with the Boston Celtics. While he only won one ring during his time in New England, he’s beloved for the competitive drive and clutch moments he delivered throughout his career.
In his appearance at the All The Smoke podcast, he talked about Jayson Tatum and what he has been doing in the team. He sincerely believes that Tatum is already the best American player in the NBA right now.
Paul Pierce says Jayson Tatum is the best American born player in the NBA
“I truly believe [Tatum] will be the face of the league. Best American born player today.”
( @allthesmokeprod )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 22, 2024
“I truly believe [Tatum] will be the face of the league,” Pierce said. “Best American-born player today. I think he’s the best American right now.”
He also claimed that winning the Larry O’Brien this year would further solidify his place in the pantheon of NBA greats:
“I think he has to get the critics off his back, so I’m going with him.”
It’s a bold claim for Pierce to make when there are still players like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant still playing. However, The Truth isn’t speaking out of his loyalty to the franchise.
Tatum has been a phenomenal player for the Celitcs this season, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 47.1% shooting and 37.6% from deep.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to multiple deep playoff runs, and it’s likely that he’ll do it again this year. As long as he keeps his wits about him, the Celtics can easily sweep the Miami Heat in four games.
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