The greatness of a player is often recognized by those who themselves have achieved it. When a legend like Paul Pierce acknowledges the potential in a young player, it’s a testament to the player’s potential and promise. This is the case with Jayson Tatum, a rising NBA star, who has recently been touted as the “next Paul Pierce”. 

This endorsement comes after a recent workout session between the two, where Tatum’s skills and potential were on full display. 

The Making of “Greatness”

Jayson Tatum’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of spectacular. Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2017, Tatum has shown consistent improvement in his game, drawing comparisons to some of the greats of the sport. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He also led the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. His performance improved and in the last season, he averaged 30 points per game. 

In the off-season, 10 times All-Star Pierce was linked to several workout sessions with Tatum alongside Jaylen Brown. “Watching JT sharpen them tools, seeing what greatness looks like”, Pierce said. 

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The next champion in the making

Podcast hosts of the ‘Celtics Beat’ Adam and Evan, in one of the segments, discuss Tatum and Pierce working out together. Evan makes a remark that captures Pierfce’s sentiments about Tatum. He says, “To me it seems like Pierce has taken that and gone to the next step with it. I am gonna work out with Jayson because he is the next. He is the next dude. He is the next me. Even better than me. I love that”

Pierce’s comparison of Tatum to himself is not without basis. Both players have a similar playing style, with great footwork and a high basketball IQ. Moreover, Tatum’s statistics show a promising trend. 

However, the journey to greatness is not just about numbers. It’s about the ability to perform under pressure, to rise to the occasion when it matters the most. Tatum has shown glimpses of this quality, notably in his electric Game 7 against the Sixers, where he scored 51 points. 

As Tatum continues to grow and improve, the comparison to other players will only get stronger. If his recent performances are any indication, Tatum is well on his way to carving out his own legacy in the NBA. He can potentially even surpass the greatness of Paul Pierce.

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