Jayson Tatum secured a place on the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive season, as announced by the NBA on Wednesday night. The All-Star forward was the sole Celtic chosen for the team, while his teammate Jaylen Brown fell short of the fifteen who received votes.
Tatum posted averages of 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and a career-high 3.9 assists during the regular season, with shooting percentages of 47.1% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc. Joining him on the First Team were Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic. This marks Tatum’s fourth All-NBA selection since the 2019-20 season.
The All-NBA Second Team featured Jalen Brunson, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Kawhi Leonard. Brown narrowly missed out on a spot in the third team, which included Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Tyrese Haliburton, LeBron James, and Damontas Sabonis. Tatum, along with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White (both Second Team All-NBA Defensive), are among the award recipients from Boston’s 64-win season.
Tatum is now eligible for a supermax extension this upcoming summer, potentially worth up to $315 million over five years, following his All-NBA team selection last year. Brown’s absence from the All-NBA team will not impact his supermax extension signed in the previous season, as his selection then determined his eligibility.
Tatum could finalize his new contract as early as this summer, paving the way for Boston’s top two players in their lineup. The contract would become effective starting the 2025-26 season, while Brown’s supermax deal commences in the 2024-25 season, signed during the last summer.
What implications does Jaylen Brown narrowly missing out on a spot on the All-NBA First Team have for his development and role within the Boston Celtics organization moving forward?
Jayson Tatum’s selection to the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive season solidifies his status as one of the league’s elite players. His impressive statistics and consistent performance have earned him the recognition he deserves. While Jaylen Brown narrowly missed out on a spot on the team, both players have bright futures ahead of them in Boston.
With Tatum eligible for a supermax extension this summer, the Celtics have the opportunity to lock in their star player for the long term. Brown’s previous extension will also ensure that he remains a key part of the team’s future plans. The duo of Tatum and Brown gives Boston a strong foundation to build upon in the years to come.
the All-NBA selections highlight the individual accomplishments of Tatum and Brown, as well as the success of the Celtics as a team. With their core players secured for the foreseeable future, Boston can focus on contending for championships and building a winning culture.
