Here's What Stephen A. Smith Had to Say About Jayson Tatum vs. Luka Doncic

Both Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic averaged 30-plus points per game during the 2022-23 regular season.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

At least one prominent sports media talking head believes that Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum is a better player than Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith hopped on the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe and made his case for why he believes Tatum is better than Doncic.

"I saw Jayson Tatum drop 46 in a closeout playoff game in Milwaukee," Smith said. "I saw Jayson Tatum handle his business in a Game 7. I've seen a young Jayson Tatum, who ain't even 27 years of age yet, be a primary option on a team that's gone to five conference championship series and an NBA Finals."

Tatum, 25, has played six seasons in the NBA, all as a member of the Celtics franchise. He averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game across 74 games during the 2022-23 regular season (all starts).

Meanwhile, Doncic, 24, has played five seasons in the NBA, all as a member of the Mavericks franchise. He averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game in 66 games played with Dallas during the 2022-23 regular season.

It's arguable as to who's the better player between Tatum and Doncic. The latter has put up better counting stats during his NBA career, but the former has enjoyed far more postseason success. 

But what's not arguable is that Tatum and Doncic are two of the best young players in a league chock-full of youthful talent.

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