Giannis Antetokounmpo recently anointed Boston Celtics rival Jayson Tatum as the best American player in the NBA right now but for JT, he still thinks he is being underrated.
Tatum is currently recovering from an Achilles injury in the middle of their second round series with the New York Knicks. He scored 42 points in his last game but Celtics ended up losing the game and him as well to a season-ending injury.
He was regarded as the best player in that series and the among the best in the NBA for years now. Still, he is not satisfied with the way he is perceived.
He made the statement during an appearance on First Take by Stephen A. Smith who set the conversation up by enumerating his accolades.
“I’m certain I’m not the only person that feels like they don’t get enough credit, I think that’s just the nature of being one of the best players in the NBA,” he said.
“I know there’s a lot of fans out there that appreciate what I do.”
“I’m certain I’m not the only person that feels like they don’t get enough credit, I think that’s just the nature of being one of the best players in the NBA… I know there’s a lot of fans out there that appreciate what I do.”
Jayson Tatum on First Takepic.twitter.com/aFXnTVyZky
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 23, 2025
Smith was right on the video. Tatum is an All-Star six times and made it to the first team four times with Celtics as a contender. He, however, failed to get the Finals MVP award in 2024 when he lost it to Jaylen Brown despite having the better statistics.
Jayson Tatum teases early return
Letting your game speak for you is the best way to respond to the criticism. Unfortunately for Tatum, he won’t be able to do that when the season opens in late October.
There’s a chance he might return earlier than expected though. However, he said they will stick to the plan rather than rushing things.
“I think for me and my team, the doctors, the organization, the most important thing is making a full recovery, being back 100%, not rushing it,” he said.
“I have a goal in mind. What I will say is I’m not working out, rehabbing six days a week for no reason.”
For now, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Peyton Pritchard will hold for the forth for him.
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