INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 18: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Eastern Conference All-Stars shoots the ball against the Western Conference All-Stars in the first quarter during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Celtics' Jayson Tatum Says He's Best Player in NBA; Talks Respect for Giannis, More

Erin WalshFeb 20, 2024

Jayson Tatum is the best player in the NBA, at least according to the Boston Celtics star himself.

When asked by ESPN's Malika Andrews who he believes is the best player in the league right now, Tatum responded, "Myself."

"I got a lot of respect for a lot of guys in the league. Giannis [Antetokounmpo] for sure. [Nikola] Jokić, obviously he just won. [Joel] Embiid, guys that won MVPs, and the list goes on. The league is in a great place," Tatum added (2:10 mark).

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"I truly do believe every night I step on the floor I'm the best player."

Tatum is certainly among the best players in the league, and he's in the MVP conversation once again this season. He's averaging 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 52 games while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from deep.

In part thanks to Tatum, the Celtics sit atop the Eastern Conference and have the best record in the NBA at 43-12. They also appear to be the frontrunner for the NBA title.

However, the likes of Embiid, Jokić and Antetokounmpo have always been viewed as being better than the Celtics veteran as all three have won at least one MVP award. Jokić and Antetokounmpo are also NBA champions.

If Tatum can win his first NBA title this season, he might finally get the respect he deserves from basketball fans outside of Boston.