There is a GOAT spirit when top NBA athletes walk onto the court. That is the fine line they tread between respect for fellow athletes and asserting their prowess. The balance between takes is diplomatic and unbridled with self-assuredness. Jayson Tatum recently got into a conversation with former MVP Andre Iguodala for his Point Forward podcast. Iguodala asked a simple question, but the four-time NBA All-Star’s response certainly took him aback. 

Iguodala simply asked who was the best player in the league, according to Jayson. It wasn’t the right person, at least that’s what Iguodala thought. 

Jayson Tatum’s unexpected choice of the best player

As soon as he answered Giannis, Jayson Tatum knew that something had irked Andre. Jayson immediately put on humility and added, “I said Giannis at the time.” He laid out the context, “This was right after they won a championship. I got a lot of respect for guys that get to the top of the mountain. And at that time, they just won the finals. He had a hell of a run.”

Although Tatum’s argument was well-reasoned it was mistaken by Iguodala as a lack of confidence. Andre humorously remarked it seems like Tatum is hanging out with Michael Jordan given how he was so well-versed in his answers. “It irks me,” added Iguodala, “because sometimes I want you to just go crazy on them and just let them know.” Iguodala wanted Tatum to admit that he was the best player to play on the court. 

Tatum has a GOAT spirit 

Tatum got closer to a championship in 2022, but that dream was shattered by Stephen Curry. But Tatum is still developing an MVP-level game. “I don’t step on the court like I am the second-best player. I know and I feel like the best player in the world when I step on the court,” He asserted back to Iguodala. Tatum along with Giannis are on the MVP race. Tatum is averaging 27.6 points per game.

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Who do you think is the best player in the league currently? Let us know in the comments below!