Jayson Tatum’s place in basketball history remains up for debate, and former Boston Celtics legends Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are at the center of the discussion. As the Celtics chase their 19th championship, Tatum’s impact on the team and the NBA is under intense scrutiny, with both Pierce and Garnett offering contrasting opinions on his future.
Pierce, a key member of the 2008 Celtics championship team, believes Tatum has the potential to surpass even Kevin Garnett in terms of greatness. While Garnett acknowledges Tatum’s incredible talent, he’s not quite ready to place him in the same category as other all-time greats like Kevin Durant. Garnett also stirred the pot by suggesting that the current Celtics team boasts the best starting five in NBA history, a statement that’s sparked debate. While undeniably talented, this Celtics squad doesn’t quite measure up to the 1986 Celtics or the legendary Showtime Lakers.
The 1986 Celtics, featuring the likes of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge, and Dennis Johnson, are widely regarded as having one of the best lineups in NBA history. Similarly, the 1964 Celtics, led by Bill Russell, Sam and KC Jones, and Tom Heinsohn, were dominant. The Lakers’ Magic Johnson-led squad from the Showtime era, with the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, is also often seen as one of the most formidable starting fives in league history.
While this current Celtics team is undoubtedly strong, it’s difficult to place them in the same historical context. If Boston were to win a second consecutive championship, however, it would certainly fuel further discussions about Tatum’s legacy. Yet, the Celtics’ playoff journey remains far from certain, as a potential matchup with a rising Cleveland Cavaliers team looms.
The outcome of this series and the rest of the postseason will undoubtedly have a significant impact on how Tatum’s place in the NBA is ultimately viewed. For now, Tatum’s future remains bright, but his path to being considered one of the greats is still unfolding.
