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The Best Player in the NBA? Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell’s Choice Shocks NBA World: “Fighting the Urge to Say Themselves”

Published 02/24/2023, 6:30 AM EST

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Every fan, legend, and analyst has their pick on who their favorite player is or who the best player in the league is currently. And it is always interesting to see who they pick. However, it is a sight to see when current NBA players pick their favorite or best players in the league. The 2023 NBA All-Star game MVP Jayson Tatum and Cavs star Donovan Mitchell had an exclusive interview on ESPN with Malika Andrews.

Young stars Tatum, Mitchell, Ja Morant, and Luka Doncic all sat down together for an interview during the All-Star weekend. Interestingly, Andrews ended up asking both Tatum and Mitchell who the best player in the league was according to them.

Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell had a unanimous answer

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Mitchell agreed with Tatum when the Boston Celtics star mentioned that the best player according to him was Giannis Antetokounmpo. It is always a sight to see when NBA players appreciate other players in the league.

USA Today via Reuters

Which is what Tatum and Mitchell did. Tatum said, “If I had to pick, I think I might say Giannis. How he impacts both sides, scoring, rebounding, and how hard he plays. And like, we all have off nights but I feel like if we had an off night, it’s still 25 and 15 instead of 40 and 20.”

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“And he’s won. He’s won a championship,” added Tatum. Andrews referred to Ja Morant and Luka Doncic when she said, “These two since they’re fine in the West, you have to go through Giannis in the East. You know, good luck on that.” That is when Donovan Mitchell said, “I’d say Giannis too, for sure.”

Fans on the other hand couldn’t help but notice Luka Doncic’s reaction when Jayson Tatum gave ‘Greek Freak’ the title of the best player.

One fan commented, “JA & Luka fighting the urge to say themselves.”

While another fan commented, “Bru tatum n mitchell goofy they dont have that kobe mentality yall see edwards say himself @jaytatum0 @spidadmitchell yall gotta have confidence in yourselves.”

 

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Here are a few more reactions from fans on Instagram.

“I’m sorry but he’s not. His talent isn’t as high as these other guys. I love Giannis.”

“I love when players recognize other players on different teams.”

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“Tatum was just being humble because he doesn’t have a ring…yet!”

“Every real nba fan knows Giannis is the best! He impacts all aspects of the game at an elite level! Passing, scoring, rebounding, and defending.”

Fans in the comments section had a heavy debate on who is the best. While some were happy to see players recognizing other players’ talent.

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Although Tatum and Mitchell chose Giannis, we would like to hear who you think is the best player in the league right now. Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Abhishek Dhariwal

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Abhishek Dhariwal is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He earned his bachelor's degree in English Honors from St. Xavier's College and his master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from AAFT School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth