Celtics' Jayson Tatum is redefining how we view star talent

When you think of star talent in the NBA, you instantly think of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan or LeBron James. All of whom are known for exceptional displays of scoring ability and clutch-time performances. Perhaps that's why Jayson Tatum is often discussed as operating at a tier below the current stars in the league. He's not as prominent on the scoring charts.

However, once you look past the surface, you'll find that Tatum is the best player on the best team in the NBA. He's also one of the best playmaking forwards in the league. He has added a post-game to his skill set this season. He dominates from all three levels. And his ability to operate off the ball makes him one of the toughest covers in the NBA. He is, by any criteria, a star talent. 

The Athletic's Jared Weiss recently noted that Tatum is best when operating in a playmaking role rather than as a primary offensive option.

"While the Celtics’ crunchtime offense looks shaky right now, this was a reminder that Tatum is at his best when he’s a playmaker first," Weiss wrote.

Versatility is essential in the modern NBA. Players need to be positionless on both sides of the floor. Forwards are expected to have diverse skill sets. Tatum is among the most diverse and skillful players in the league. He's a two-time All-NBA selection. He's a five-time All-Star. He will likely be an NBA champion within the next three years.

We're seeing the evolution of what it means to be a star. It's no longer about points in the box score. It's about the overall impact on the court. LeBron began that revolution. Now, Tatum is one of the torchbearers leading us into a new generation. Sooner or later, he will be viewed as a genuine top-tier talent in the NBA. He's too talented not to be.