On Monday, ESPN completed their yearly list of the top 100 NBA players. With four of their players on the list, the Celtics are well-represented on this one.
As one might expect, Jayson Tatum is the Celtic with the highest ranking on this list. Tatum was ranked sixth in the NBA by ESPN, surpassing superstars like Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN commented that Tatum “continues to develop into one of the most well-rounded wing players in the league.” He became the first player in his career to score more than thirty points a game, improved his ability to go to the foul line, and remained a solid defensive player—all of which make him the ideal two-way wing.
Tatum continues to develop into one of the most well-rounded wing players in the league,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps wrote. “He eclipsed the 30 points per game mark for the first time in his career, did a much better job of getting to the foul line and continues to be a sound defensive player, making him precisely the kind of two-way wing every NBA team would love to have.”
Tatum has received plenty of praise going into this season. He was voted as the league’s top small forward in the NBA’s general manager survey, and he’s expected to contend for the league’s Most Valuable Player award this season. One of the few things experts question about Tatum is his ability to lead his team to an NBA championship, which is the one thing holding back from ranking higher.
“If [the Celtics] can break through and win a title after years of late-postseason oustings, Bontemps wrote, “Tatum is likely a lock for the top five on this list next year.”
But Tatum won’t have to lead this roster alone. He’ll be joined by Jaylen Brown, who ESPN ranked 19th on their list. He’s ranked higher than former All-NBA members Karl-Anthony Towns and Kawhi Leonard, and would likely be higher if his 3-point shooting numbers reverted to what were two years ago.
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