Paul Pierce has made over-the-top claims about the NBA ever since he retired in 2017.
Yesterday, he made a declaration which many interpreted as biased. He said Jayson Tatum is the best American player this season.
Tatum is the best American Basketball Player in the World 😎
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) November 14, 2023
Of course, that claim still has a flavor of objectivity since the past seasons were dominated by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid, who collectively own five-season MVP awards.
Pierce limited his claim to Americans, but was he right that Tatum was the best among them?
1. Stephen Curry
The Golden State Warriors leader should be on top of the list. He continues to score at will on any corner on the court.
Steph was a formidable MVP candidate last season if only he were not slowed down by injuries.
He is making up for lost time this season, as he has yet to miss a game. He shoots 44.6 percent from the three-point line this season, not far from what he posted during the 2022-2023 season.
He currently averages 30.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 3.9 apg.
2. Kevin Durant
KD is playing like a resurrected man for the Phoenix Suns this season after joining the team in February this year.
He is still a bucket-getter and looks like a man on a mission on the court as he leads the Sun to battles.
He is averaging 30-7-5 while shooting 42.9 percent from the arc.
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3. Jayson Tatum
Pierce could be on to something with his assessment of Tatum, but the latter has yet to play games against bigger names.
The 25-year-old's stock continues to rise, and the Boston Celtics were right for not hesitating in giving him a massive deal over the summer.
He can lead the Celtics to a championship, although the knock on his game - not seen on Curry or KD - is his passiveness sometimes.
He is trying to shake off that trait that season with him leading the Celtics in points, rebounds, and steals.
He also plays a more active role in defense, guarding the opponent's best wing players.
4. Ja Morant
Ja has yet to play a game this season due to a 25-game suspension handed to him for a gun-related violation, but there is no doubt that he is on the league's list of Top 5 American players.
With him out, the Memphis Grizzlies are struggling heavily.
His 26.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 8.1 apg, 1.1 spg, while shooting 46.6 FG%, were enough to push his team to a second-place finish after the eliminations last season.
5. Anthony Davis
No disrespect to Lebron James, but the current best player in the Los Angeles Lakers squad is Anthony Davis, who anchors their offense and defense.
Of course, it all depends on which AD will show up. There is also a question about his health.
On a good day, Davis is up there among the best American center in the league.
This season, he leads his team in rebounding with 12 a game and blocks with three per game. He is second to Lebron James in points with 23.9.
The Lakers will go as far as where Davis will take them.
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