Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce discussed who they thought was the best American player in the NBA right now during a recent episode of their collaborative podcast The Ticket and the Truth. On November 14, Pierce tweeted that he thought Jayson Tatum was the best American in the game right now. Pierce elaborated on the 25-year-old’s growth in the league in recent years when asked to clarify his point of view on the broadcast.
The Boston Celtics icon also discussed his 55-point All-Star game, as well as his 51-point performance in Game 7 of last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals. That, combined with Tatum’s four consecutive All-Star selections, was enough for Pierce to vault him above of Kevin Durant and LeBron James for the time being.
“Right now, the best American in the league is Jayson Tatum, and you know, this is not right now.” “I mean, look at his growth, what he’s done in the last couple of years,” Pierce added.
“He’s been first-team All-NBA, hit you with the 55 in the All-Star Game, hit you with another 50 in Game 7 versus Philly, and I’m just looking around, I think he’s passed KD, I think he’s passed LeBron.” I’m talking about today, you know what I mean?” He added to emphasize his point.
Pierce stated, with Garnett’s support, that the only argument people could use against Tatum was Stephen Curry. The Warriors superstar, 35, is the only American player on the same level as Jayson Tatum. “As far as the American players today, I think the only argument you really have is, maybe Steph.” But, other from that, I believe he is better than the other guys, and I truly believe he is the best American player,” Pierce added.
Given that he was observed instructing Tatum in the summer, the Celtics great may be influenced by favoritism. Aside from that, Pierce has a soft spot for his previous team, the Boston Celtics.
Pierce went on to discuss how he knew Nikola Jokic was the best player in the NBA at the time, which the Serbian has proven over and again in recent seasons. However, in terms of Paul Pierce and KG, Jayson Tatum is the best USA player. The latter even stated that he believes Tatum will win the MVP award again this season.
Jayson Tatum is one of the NBA’s most well-known players.
The Boston Celtics have placed their full trust in their youthful All-Star tandem of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, with positive results. They have constantly been the top dog in the Eastern Conference, only losing in the Finals to the Warriors in 2021-22.
Tatum has been on an upward track since joining the league and has been named to the All-NBA First Team for two straight seasons. Tatum, who has led his club to the Finals once, is definitely hoping to go all the way with the Celtics in the near future, which will undoubtedly improve his credentials as one of the league’s best stars.
Tatum is a young player who has moved his game to the next level in recent seasons, something that is expected of many other players in the league. Despite recent scandals, this includes young players like Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and even Ja Morant. Some may say that Trae Young, the young American star currently closest to Jayson Tatum, has also threatened to become the NBA’s face and may possibly do so in the future years.