Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas believes Jayson Tatum is the current face of the NBA, explaining that the face of the NBA has always been the most hated player, and Tatum now fits that role.
Former NBA All-Star and Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas recently shared his thoughts on who should be considered the face of the NBA.
Jayson Tatum
| Team: |
Boston Celtics |
| Position: | SF |
| Age: | 26 |
| Height: | 203 cm |
| Weight: | 93 kg |
| Birth place: | St. Louis, United States of America |
On his podcast Gil's Arena, Arenas argued that Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum should be regarded as the new face of the league. He explained that the face of the NBA has traditionally been the most hated player, and now, everyone seems to be trying to tear down Tatum's impressive resume.
"Yes, 1000%, Tatum is the face of the league," Arenas stated. "When you talk about him negatively compared to his actual resume, this is not the '80s or '90s where we made our superstars look good."
"For the last 20-something years, it’s been a negative thing for the face of the NBA. Don’t even think about it—he is the face. We pretend his resume isn’t his resume, so we try to tear him down," he continued.
Arenas further emphasized that after LeBron James retires, Jayson Tatum will take over as the most hated player in the league.
"When LeBron leaves, who’s the most hated player in the league? Who’s next in line? Jayson Tatum," Arenas said.
Tatum already boasts an impressive resume. In his 8 years with the Celtics, he’s been named an NBA All-Star six times and earned All-NBA team selections four times.
The reigning NBA champion is currently averaging 26.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season, leading the Celtics to a 42-17 record and second place in the Eastern Conference.
