Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jayson Tatum vs Luka Doncic Rivalry Could Dominate Late 2020s
Various eras of NBA history are defined by an intense rivalry. A recent example comes from the mid-2010s era, as LeBron James and Stephen Curry competed against each other in four consecutive NBA Finals series.
Since the 2018 showdown between the James-led Cleveland Cavaliers and Curry-led Golden State Warriors, the assortment of superstars involved in the NBA Finals has diversified.
As the next generation of superstars start to enter their prime, it’s expected that the trend of repetitive NBA Finals matchups will re-emerge. Based on this belief, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic have the most potential to star in the NBA’s next iconic rivalry.
The 25-year-old Tatum and 24-year-old Doncic are already making a significant impact on the league. Doncic is the current leader in most points scored during the 2020s with a total of 7,574, while Tatum closely follows in third place with 7,510 points.
The two prodigies are also emerging as some of the NBA’s most popular players. During the latter part of last season, both Tatum and Doncic ranked within the top five in jersey sales. Though this metric isn’t based on skillset, the NBA is a business and would benefit most from their most marketable stars succeeding.
Tatum and Doncic’s closeness in various statistical categories, such as those mentioned, has fueled premature career comparisons between the two competitors. However, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a significant rivalry between the two players, as they have played against each other in fewer than 10 regular season games.
Right now, Tatum is more on-track to become the next face of the NBA.
For the 2022-2023 season, Tatum averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 74 games. His achievements for the year include a fourth-place finish in the NBA’s Most Valuable Player race, an All-NBA First Team selection, and the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award.
Under the leadership of Tatum, the Boston Celtics have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals three times over the past four years. The re-signing of Jaylen Brown and acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis suggests that the Celtics will remain as championship contenders for years to come.
Meanwhile, for the 2022-2023 season, Doncic averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over 66 games. The Slovenian set a new career-high in points per game, earned an All-NBA First Team selection, and finished eighth in the Most Valuable Player race.
In terms of his team's success, the Dallas Mavericks made a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2022 but failed to make the playoffs this year. This could be attributed to a lack of sufficient time for Doncic to develop chemistry with his teammate Kyrie Irving.
Although Tatum and Doncic are still in pursuit of their first NBA championship, numerous analysts have alluded that they will be dominant forces in the future. This week, Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the brewing who's-better debate.
There is the possibility that a Giannis Antetokounmpo-Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic-Jayson Tatum rivalry could become more prevalent instead, though both former MVPs are roughly four years older and may lose their edge towards the end of this decade. The Denver Nuggets are reigning NBA champions, but their perceived dominance is a result of recency bias rather than consistently-proven success.
Age also plays a signifcant role when examing career trajectories. LeBron James and Michael Jordan, both faces of the NBA during their prime, won the majority of their championships during their late twenties and early thirties.
This historical pattern suggests multiple NBA Finals matchups between Tatum and Doncic could take place during the late 2020s.
Further Reading
Jayson Tatum Reveals Thoughts on Boston
How the Celtics Might Go About Filling Final Roster Spot
The Latest on Blake Griffin's Future with Celtics
Tyrese Haliburton Explains Why He Has Celtics Matchup Circled
Celtics Sign Sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk
Brad Stevens Discusses Differences in Joe Mazzulla Entering Year 2 as Celtics' Head Coach
Brad Stevens Discusses Kristaps Porzingis' Role with Celtics, Provides Rehab Update
Kristaps Porzingis Speaks on Recovery from Foot Injury: 'I Couldn't Get Rid of the Inflammation
'Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule
Examining How Celtics' Starting Lineup Might Shapeshift This Season
Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement
