Jayson Tatum

Tatum emerged as the centerpiece of Boston's return to championship contention, helping lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference title in 2021-22. His combination of scoring, size and all-around play made him one of the league's most important young stars and positioned him as the face of the Celtics' next era.

Tatum's game reached another level during the 2021-22 season as he continued to establish himself among the NBA's elite. His ability to impact games as a scorer, playmaker and defender also put him in rare Celtics company. During the season, he recorded multiple games with at least 30 points, five 3-pointers, five assists and five blocks, passing Antoine Walker for the most such performances in franchise history.

Jayson Tatum — Career Stats

Tatum's pump fake has become one of the most recognizable parts of his offensive game. The move gives him a split-second advantage, often sending defenders into the air before he creates space for a clean shot. His confidence with the move has become a signature element of his scoring arsenal.

Player of the Week

Tatum had already established himself as Boston's go-to star, but he continued to show another level when the stakes increased. On March 21, 2022, he earned his third Player of the Week honor of the season after helping Boston put together three convincing victories over Golden State, Sacramento and Denver, each by at least 20 points.

A Cornerstone in His Mid-20s

Tatum entered his mid-20s already looking like a cornerstone player for the Celtics. After averaging more than 25 points per game for the first time during the 2020-21 season, his trajectory continued to point upward. That summer, Bleacher Report ranked him No. 2 among NBA players under 25, behind Luka Doncic.