The Boston Celtics are sitting pretty as the reigning NBA champions, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. With the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, they’ve held their ground against the top-ranked team in the league this season. It’s baffling, then, why Jayson Tatum isn’t receiving the recognition he deserves, according to Quentin Richardson.
Richardson, a former NBA player, expressed his disbelief on ESPN regarding the lack of respect Tatum receives, despite his remarkable performance this season. He questioned what more Tatum needs to do to earn the credit he’s owed, as cited by ClutchPoints.
He said, “Jayson Tatum has been totally disrespected this whole season with the numbers he’s putting up and the season he’s having leading his team… and not to get the credit that he deserves… I don’t understand why we don’t give him more credit?”
Honestly, it’s difficult to argue with Richardson. Winning an NBA championship should have silenced critics, but even then, Tatum faces scrutiny. Some detractors even tease him for not snagging the NBA Finals MVP, although the award was a close call, with Tatum’s stats closely matching Jaylen Brown’s.
Tatum has consistently delivered MVP-level performances year after year, including this one, proving he’s far from the “choke artist” some naysayers label him as. His talent and physical prowess are undeniable, placing him among the elite players in the league.
Sure, he’s flanked by an excellent supporting cast, but that shouldn’t devalue his contributions. As Richardson pointed out, Tatum is drama-free. He keeps his speech measured and avoids unnecessary conflict. He’s not one to engage in trash talk, and injuries seldom sideline him.
It’s puzzling that his efforts go unrecognized, and it’s high time fans and media begin giving Tatum his due as one of the top-tier talents in the game today.
After all, what more could you ask of him?
