Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Jayson Tatum are three of the most prominent names in today’s NBA, each leaving a significant mark on the game with their unique talents and achievements. As we delve into their careers, we will evaluate key metrics such as points per game, All-Star selections, MVP awards, and more to determine who stands out as the most impactful player. With Irving’s championship experience, Doncic’s rapid rise to stardom, and Tatum’s consistent excellence, this comparison aims to highlight the strengths and accomplishments of each player, offering a detailed look at their contributions to the NBA. Join us as we break down their careers and see who comes out on top in this ultimate basketball showdown.
Best Stats
1. Luka Doncic – 28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG (3 Points)
2. Kyrie Irving – 23.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG (2 Points)
3. Jayson Tatum – 23.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG (1 Point)
Luka Doncic has played 6 seasons for the Dallas Mavericks, and his stats reflect his status as one of the most versatile players in the league. Averaging 28.7 points per game, Doncic is a scoring machine, capable of lighting up the scoreboard on any given night. His 8.7 rebounds per game highlight his ability to battle in the paint and secure crucial boards, while his 8.3 assists per game show his playmaking skills and vision on the court. Additionally, Doncic contributes on the defensive end with 1.2 steals per game, making him a formidable all-around player.
Kyrie Irving has consistently been one of the best point guards in the league, known for his incredible handles and scoring ability. He averages 23.6 points per game, showcasing his ability to score from all areas of the court. Irving also adds 4.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, reflecting his capability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His 1.3 steals per game underscore his defensive presence, even though his primary reputation lies in his offensive skills.
Jayson Tatum has emerged as a leading scorer for the Boston Celtics, averaging 23.1 points per game. His 7.2 rebounds per game demonstrate his ability to play physically and secure important rebounds. Tatum also averages 3.5 assists per game, showing his willingness to share the ball and create opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, Tatum contributes with 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, proving his effectiveness on both ends of the floor.
Most NBA Championships
1. Kyrie Irving – 1 Championship (3 Points)
T2. Luka Doncic – 0 Championships (2 Points)
T2. Jayson Tatum – 0 Championships (2 Points)
In the championships category, Kyrie Irving stands out as the only player among the trio with an NBA title. Irving won his championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. His clutch performance, including the memorable game-winning shot in Game 7 of the Finals, cemented his legacy as a champion.
Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum are still on their quest for their first NBA championships. Both players have shown tremendous potential and have led their teams deep into the playoffs, but they have yet to capture the ultimate prize. Doncic’s leadership and Tatum’s scoring prowess make them strong contenders for future titles, but for now, Irving holds the edge with his championship pedigree.
Most Finals MVP Awards
T1. Luka Doncic – 0 Finals MVP Awards (3 Points)
T1. Kyrie Irving – 0 Finals MVP Awards (3 Points)
T1. Jayson Tatum – 0 Finals MVP Awards (3 Points)
Kyrie Irving has played in three NBA Finals (2015, 2016, 2017) with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His most notable performance was in 2016, where he hit the game-winning shot in Game 7 to help secure the championship. Despite his impactful play, he did not win the Finals MVP.
Jayson Tatum reached the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics in 2022. Though the Golden State Warriors defeated the Celtics, Tatum’s strong performance highlighted his potential as a future Finals MVP contender.
Luka Doncic has yet to appear in the NBA Finals. However, his playoff performances for the Dallas Mavericks suggest that he has the capability to lead his team to the Finals and compete for the MVP award.
This year, all three players will have a chance to compete for the Finals MVP in the Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics Finals matchup. Each star will be aiming for their first Finals MVP, adding extra excitement to this highly anticipated series.
Most MVP Awards
T1. Luka Doncic – 0 MVP Awards (3 Points)
T1. Kyrie Irving – 0 MVP Awards (3 Points)
T1. Jayson Tatum – 0 MVP Awards (3 Points)
None of these players have won an MVP award, but they’ve each come close. Luka Doncic was closest in the 2023-24 season, finishing 3rd in MVP voting. His outstanding performance that season, leading the Dallas Mavericks with his impressive all-around game, solidified his place among the league’s elite.
Kyrie Irving has not been a finalist but had notable seasons where his scoring and playmaking garnered attention. His best finish in MVP voting was 9th place during the 2014-15 season, showcasing his impact when healthy and leading his team.
Jayson Tatum has not won an MVP but finished in the top 10 in voting multiple times, with his best position being 6th place in the 2021-22 season. His scoring, defense, and all-around play for the Boston Celtics have made him a consistent candidate for the award.
Most All-NBA Team Selections
1. Luka Doncic – 5 All-NBA Selections (3 Points)
2. Jayson Tatum – 4 All-NBA Selections (2 Points)
3. Kyrie Irving – 3 All-NBA Selections (1 Point)
Luka Doncic leads this category with 5 All-NBA selections, all of which are First Team honors. This consistent recognition highlights his dominant presence in the league and his status as one of the top players in the game.
Jayson Tatum follows with 4 All-NBA selections, including 3 First Team and 1 Third Team. His impressive scoring and all-around play for the Boston Celtics have earned him these accolades, showcasing his impact on the court.
Kyrie Irving has 3 All-NBA selections to his name, including 1 Second Team and 2 Third Team honors. Despite battling injuries at times, his exceptional talent and skill have still garnered him recognition as one of the league’s best guards.
Most All-Defensive Team Selections
T1. Luka Doncic – 0 All-Defensive Team Selections (3 Points)
T1. Kyrie Irving – 0 All-Defensive Team Selections (3 Points)
T1. Jayson Tatum – 0 All-Defensive Team Selections (3 Points)
In the All-Defensive Team category, none of the players have secured a nomination yet, putting Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Jayson Tatum on equal footing with 3 points each.
While all three players have shown their defensive capabilities at various points in their careers, they have yet to be recognized with an All-Defensive Team selection. Each player has the potential to earn this honor as they continue to develop and refine their defensive skills. As their careers progress, it will be interesting to see if any of them can break into this elite category of defensive recognition.
Most All-Star Selections
1. Kyrie Irving – 8 All-Star Selections (3 Points)
T2. Luka Doncic – 5 All-Star Selections (2 Points)
T2. Jayson Tatum – 5 All-Star Selections (2 Points)
Kyrie Irving leads the pack with 8 All-Star selections, earned over his illustrious career. His first All-Star appearance came in the 2012-13 season, and since then, he has been a regular fixture in the event. Known for his incredible handles, clutch performances, and scoring prowess, Irving has been a fan favorite. His All-Star selections highlight his consistent impact and popularity in the league, with memorable moments such as his MVP performance in the 2014 All-Star Game.
Luka Doncic has quickly earned 5 All-Star selections since entering the NBA, a testament to his rapid rise and immediate impact on the league. Doncic made his first All-Star appearance in the 2019-20 season and has been selected every year since. His versatile game, which includes scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, has captivated fans and made him a standout star. Doncic’s All-Star selections reflect his status as one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA.
Jayson Tatum also boasts 5 All-Star selections, underscoring his role as a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics. Tatum’s first All-Star appearance came in the 2019-20 season, and he has continued to be selected each subsequent year. His ability to score efficiently, coupled with his defensive skills and leadership on the court, has earned him recognition from fans, coaches, and peers alike. Tatum’s consistent All-Star presence highlights his growing influence and success in the league.
Total Win Shares
1. Kyrie Irving – 86.2 Win Shares (3 Points)
2. Jayson Tatum – 55.9 Win Shares (2 Points)
3. Luka Doncic – 51.2 Win Shares (1 Point)
Kyrie Irving leads this category with 86.2 total Win Shares. This metric highlights his significant impact on the court over his career, contributing to the success of the teams he has played for. Irving’s ability to score efficiently, create plays, and perform in clutch situations has translated into substantial contributions to his team’s wins.
Jayson Tatum follows with 55.9 Win Shares. Since joining the NBA, Tatum has consistently been a key player for the Boston Celtics. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills have been instrumental in the Celtics’ performance, earning him a high Win Shares total. Tatum’s all-around game and leadership have made him a cornerstone of his team’s success.
Luka Doncic has accumulated 51.2 Win Shares, reflecting his tremendous impact in a relatively short period. Doncic’s ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories—scoring, rebounding, and assisting—has made him one of the most valuable players in the league. His performance has directly translated into wins for the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his importance to the team’s success.
PER (Player Efficiency Rating)
1. Luka Doncic – 25.7 PER (3 Points)
2. Kyrie Irving – 22.3 PER (2 Points)
3. Jayson Tatum – 20.1 PER (1 Point)
Luka Doncic leads this category with a PER of 25.7, highlighting his efficiency and all-around impact on the game. Doncic’s ability to contribute significantly in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking makes him one of the most efficient players in the league. His high PER reflects his versatility and dominance on the court, consistently performing at an elite level.
Kyrie Irving follows with a PER of 22.3, underscoring his scoring efficiency and playmaking abilities. Irving’s ability to create his own shot, score from anywhere on the court, and facilitate for his teammates contributes to his strong PER. His efficient scoring and offensive prowess are key factors in his high rating.
Jayson Tatum has a PER of 20.1, reflecting his solid all-around game. Tatum’s scoring ability, combined with his rebounding and defensive skills, makes him a highly effective player. His PER showcases his capability to contribute positively across various facets of the game, reinforcing his value to the Boston Celtics.
Who Has Had The Greatest NBA Career Out Of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, And Jayson Tatum?
T1. Luka Doncic – 23 Points
T1. Kyrie Irving – 23 Points
3. Jayson Tatum – 19 Points
In this comparative analysis, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are tied for the most impactful NBA career so far, based on the points accumulated across various categories. Doncic’s exceptional achievements in Best Stats, All-NBA selections, PER, and consistent All-Star selections highlight his rapid rise to stardom. His versatility, scoring ability, and playmaking skills make him one of the most dynamic players in the league.
Kyrie Irving showcases his dominance in categories such as NBA Championships, All-Star selections, and Win Shares. Irving’s clutch performances and scoring prowess have left a significant mark on the league. His contributions to a championship team and his All-Star appearances reflect his high level of play and popularity.
Jayson Tatum, while excelling in several areas, particularly in All-NBA selections and his balanced contributions, comes in third in this overall comparison. Tatum’s impact on both ends of the court and his consistent All-Star appearances highlight his value and potential to rise even higher in future comparisons.
