Inside The Celtics

Here's Who Jayson Tatum Thinks Will be Next Face of NBA

Jayson Tatum believes Luka Doncic, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and others could be the NBA's next megastar.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:


LeBron James has reigned as face of the NBA for over a decade. Since 2010, James has accumulated 150 million followers on Instagram, dominated the league’s merchandise sales, earned 10 All-NBA First Team selections, and made nine NBA Finals appearances.

With the 19-time All-Star nearing retirement age, fans will soon gravitate towards another superstar that personifies success and marketability. Jayson Tatum, a potential candidate, was asked who he thinks will be the next face of the NBA.

As captured by Yahoo Sports’ Ball Don’t Lie, Tatum mentioned himself, Luka Doncic, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“There’s so many talented guys… young guys in this league. Like (Joel) Embiid, (Nikola) Jokic, Giannis (Antetokounmpo)… they’re still kind of young I guess? You got guys like me, Luka (Doncic), Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell. You know…younger than those guys. The league is in great hands. So many talented guys. You know, the older guys, Steph (Curry), LeBron (James), and (Kevin Durant), those guys are still doing what they do. It’s very competitive.”

Those included in Tatum’s first grouping, Embiid, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo, have won an NBA Most Valuable Player award. Meanwhile, Tatum, Brown, Doncic, and Mitchell were listed as top-ten contenders on the Kia MVP Ladder for at least one edition during the 2022-2023 season.

Though the younger generation of superstars are making their mark on the NBA, LeBron James and Stephen Curry still stand as its most popular players. Only time will tell who becomes their successors.

Further Reading

Celtics Reportedly Show Interest in Signing Austin Rivers

Gabe Vincent Says He Sensed Celtics Were 'Not Fully Right Internally' in Eastern Conference Finals

Negotiations Between Celtics, Jaylen Brown Hit a Snag

3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Win vs. Lakers

Here's What the Celtics Received in Finalized Grant Williams Sign-and-Trade

Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics

Celtics Reportedly Attend Former All-Star Point Guard's Private Workout

Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'

Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'

Evaluating Celtics' Options in Free Agency


Published
Eric Jay Santos
ERIC JAY SANTOS

Eric Jay Santos covers the Boston Celtics for Sports Illustrated Media Group. He holds a BA in English from Bridgewater State University. Contact: ericjaysantos@msn.com