By now, it’s clear that Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the NBA. And while he will miss an extended period of time after he ruptured his Achilles in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, he seems set to add to what is already a loaded legacy when he returns from his aforementioned injury.
Considering how he’s only 27 years old and still has several years left in the league, fans haven’t exactly been in a rush to discuss where Tatum stacks up among the all-time greats in the game. It’s never too early to begin that conversation, though.
When Bleacher Report released their list of the top 100 NBA players of all time, some folks were surprised to see Tatum included in the list at No. 93, considering how he may not even be halfway through his career yet. Despite that, he’s already accomplished more than many players in the league could ever dream of.
“Jayson Tatum’s inclusion may be seen as a rush to coronation. He isn’t even halfway through his career,” Bleacher Report wrote when explaining Tatum’s addition to the list.
“Then again, that’s kind of the point. He has been a positive-impact player on both sides of the ball since entering the league, mostly for a title contender, and already was the best player on a championship team. That is all before turning 28.”
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The problem is the people who come in ahead of Tatum, particularly those who are still currently active. Fans were miffed to see guys like Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (No. 66) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (No. 57) being ranked significantly higher than Boston’s superstar forward.
While Embiid has been phenomenal when he’s healthy, he’s battled injuries that have held him off the court for long stretches of time. And while Doncic is a phenomenal individual player, it’s telling that the Dallas Mavericks were willing to send him to the Lakers in a shocking trade last season.
Beyond that, neither guy has the postseason resume that Tatum has, as he’s taken down both of these guys when the lights are at their brightest. The good news is Tatum still has a lot of time to move up this list, but his initial ranking certainly leaves something to be desired.