Nick Wright’s pre-2018 NBA Draft take on Jayson Tatum has recently resurfaced on X (Twitter), going viral for its inaccuracy:
“If the Celtics draft Jayson Tatum, they will have turned the #1 pick into the 5th best player in the draft + 2019 Kings 1st rounder.”
When asked by a fan who he considered the top four prospects, Wright listed Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Markelle Fultz, and Josh Jackson. In hindsight, this assessment has not aged well.
Lonzo Ball, drafted 2nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, showed potential early in his career but has been plagued by injuries. After being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis deal, he eventually joined the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, injuries have kept him out of the NBA for over two years, preventing him from fulfilling his early promise.
De’Aaron Fox, selected 5th by the Sacramento Kings, has emerged as an all-star and the franchise player for his team. He has shown significant growth and is now one of the most dynamic guards in the league, proving Wright’s inclusion of him in the top four to be correct.
Markelle Fultz, the 1st overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, had a tumultuous start to his NBA career, struggling with injuries and shooting woes. Traded to the Orlando Magic in his third season, Fultz has become a key rotation player but has yet to reach the expectations set for a top pick.
Josh Jackson, picked 4th by the Phoenix Suns, had a promising rookie season but struggled to find consistency. After stints with the Grizzlies, Pistons, and Kings, he last played for the Kings’ G-League team in 2023. Jackson has also faced legal troubles, including charges of sexual assault and robbery.
In contrast, Jayson Tatum, selected 3rd by the Boston Celtics, has blossomed into a superstar. He boasts five All-Star selections, four All-NBA selections, and an NBA championship. Tatum has proven himself to be the best player from the 2018 draft class, with only Donovan Mitchell coming close.
Wright’s take on Tatum has been widely mocked as it clearly undervalued the Celtics’ forward. Tatum’s accomplishments and consistent performance have solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite players, making Wright’s pre-draft assessment look wildly off the mark.
Jayson Tatum Missed The Chance To Become The Face Of The NBA
Jayson Tatum had a golden opportunity to ascend as the face of the NBA. For years, he was on the cusp of greatness but never quite reached the pinnacle. He endured three Eastern Conference Finals losses and an NBA Finals defeat, which left him just short of the ultimate glory.
This season, however, seemed different. The Boston Celtics bolstered their roster with the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday through shrewd trades. They dominated the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record, the best in the league, and stormed through the playoffs with a 16-3 record to capture the NBA championship.
Despite this success, it was Jaylen Brown, not Tatum, who shone brightest in the playoffs. Brown was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and the NBA Finals MVP, emerging as the Celtics’ best player when it mattered most.
For years, Tatum was regarded as the superior talent between the two and the first choice for the team’s future. There was no animosity between Tatum and Brown, and their mutual respect and teamwork helped them achieve their championship goal together.
However, Tatum’s performance in the playoffs, particularly in the Finals, did not match the expectations of those who saw him as the future face of the league. LeBron James, at 39, and Stephen Curry, at 36, are nearing the twilight of their careers. The NBA is searching for its next marquee star, and Tatum, alongside Luka Doncic, had a prime opportunity to stake his claim.
In the NBA Finals, Tatum faced Doncic in a showdown that could have crowned the next face of the league. While Doncic played well, his Mavericks fell short. Tatum, despite leading his team to victory, did not dominate the series in the way that many had hoped. This left fans and analysts questioning whether he could truly be the league’s leading star.
Tatum’s chance to become the face of the NBA slipped away as he did not seize the moment with the assertiveness and dominance expected of a player of his caliber. Although he remains an elite talent and a key player for the Celtics, the mantle of the NBA’s next superstar remains up for grabs.
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