Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum turned heads this week during his appearance on Ryan Clark’s podcast. Tatum discussed numerous topics, including the pressure of playing for the Celtics compared to other franchises.
“The career I have right now, if I had it with the Grizzlies, I would have a statue outside the arena,” Tatum said.
He’s not wrong. The Grizzlies have only been around for 30 years and have never come close to winning an NBA championship. Tatum would easily be their best player in franchise history, and his career isn’t even half over yet.
Former NBA superstar Gilbert Arenas agreed, defending Tatum this week on “The Gilbert Arenas Show.”
“Facts. If Tatum’s resume was with the Memphis Grizzlies, he would have a statue when he retires. He is saying complete truth,” Arenas said. “He probably has more All-Stars by himself than combined from the franchise.”
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Not quite, but close. Memphis has had nine All-Star selections in franchise history, while Tatum has seven All-Star selections by himself, and counting.
“Like who’s the best player ever, for the Grizzlies? Exactly,” Arenas added. “So if Jayson Tatum was there…he has a statue when he’s done. He’s no different than Giannis or Jokic in Denver…What he’s saying is pure facts.”
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Arenas played one season for Memphis at the end of his career, so he knows what he’s talking about. The Grizzlies aren’t in the same league as the Celtics, and none of their players are in the same league as Tatum.
Featured image via Paul Rutherford/Imagn Images
