“Earn their respect as peers”: Jayson Tatum reveals his toughest competitors in the NBA

“Earn their respect as peers”: Jayson Tatum reveals his toughest competitors in the NBA

Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart

Boston Celtics are having a pretty decent season so far. After they stumbled in the mid—season, their young talents have dragged the team back to top 6. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been impressive throughout. As far as Jayson Tatum is concerned, the 23-YO dropped some highlights to remember. Boston Celtics have a newly grown rivalry against the Los Angeles Clippers. The LA Clippers have two of the best offensive duo Kawi Leonard and Paul George. While both the franchise has had memorable clashes, Jayson Tatum has a different take om it. He recently revealed about his toughest matchups in the NBA from the LA Clippers.

The Clippers acquired Kawhi Leonard in 2020 NBA free agency and it was one of the wisest choice for the team. Sharing the front court alongside Paul George, the duo proved to be lethal. The wings for Clippers are the best possible options available in the league currently. Jayson Tatum feels highly obliged to playing along players he admired. Even before entering the NBA Jayson Tatum grew watching Kawhi and PG play.

Jayson Tatum admires Kawhi Leonard and Paul George despite mentioning them as tough matchups

https://youtu.be/feCjBMIVr6A

The Celtics’ forward was asked about his choice of best defenders he has faced so far in an AMA session on Reddit. To this Tatum replied, “I think for my own individual matchup, Kawhi and Paul George. Those are two guys I looked up to before I get into the league.” He praises the players more than he replied with on social media. During an interview in February, Jayson Tatum showed huge respect for the stars.

Jayson Tatum admired these players from his middle school time. He said, “They’re guys I used to look up to since I was in middle school or high school. And now I get a chance to compete against them and earn their respect as peers.” He has always looked up to them as idols. Now he shares the same stage with opportunity to go against is such a pleasure.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are big names, yet Jayson Tatum isn’t afraid of going against them. The 23-YO put PG on the floor last season with a lethal ankle breaker to tie the game. While competing against Kawhi, he has always had a chance to score. He is an offensive genius and is improving more than any other player.

Also Read: Boston Celtics’ youngster Jayson Tatum passionate to shoot like Stephen Curry