Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce continues to make waves in the NBA community with his bold assertion that Jayson Tatum, the rising star of the Celtics, is the top American player in the league. Pierce’s statement, which places Tatum above the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, has drawn significant attention and debate.

Speaking on SHOWTIME Basketball, Pierce confidently declared, “Right now, the best American in the league is Jayson Tatum… I think he’s passed Kevin Durant, I think he’s passed LeBron [James].” According to Pierce, the only legitimate contender to Tatum’s throne is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

Unwavering in his stance, Pierce took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to respond to a user who questioned his rankings. The user pointed out Tatum’s inclusion in the First Team All-NBA last season, implying that such recognition supports Pierce’s claims.

By doubling down on his take, Pierce reinforces his belief that Tatum’s exceptional talent and accomplishments make him the standout American player in the league. Despite the presence of iconic figures like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, Pierce maintains that Tatum has surpassed them at this point in his career.

While Pierce’s bold statement has generated significant debate and differing opinions, it underscores the remarkable progress and potential of Jayson Tatum. As Tatum continues to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, his performances and accolades validate Pierce’s unwavering support.

The basketball world eagerly awaits further developments and performances from Jayson Tatum as he seeks to solidify his position among the league’s elite players. Whether or not others agree with Pierce’s assessment, there is no denying the excitement and anticipation surrounding Tatum’s continued rise in the NBA ranks.