Tuesday December 5, 2023

Jayson Tatum Is Already a Celtics Legend, At Relative Bargain

  • Following a 54-point outburst against the Nets, Tatum matched Larry Bird for the most 50-point games in Celtics history.
  • He's only in the first year of a five-year, $163 million contract.
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Only two players in Boston Celtics history have scored 50-plus points in multiple games: Larry Bird and Jayson Tatum.

With Sunday’s 54-point outburst against the Nets, Tatum matched Bird’s four 50-plus performances. 

Tatum is presiding over a tremendous turnaround in Boston. The Celtics have won 14 of their last 16, rank second in defensive rating (105.6), and have moved from play-in competitors to the East’s 5-seed.

  • The three-time All-Star now owns two of four Celtics scoring records — 60 points (T-1st) and 54. 
  • Boston is 16-5 this season when he scores at least 30 points; 39-18 all-time.
  • He became the second player in NBA history 25 or younger to drop 50+ points in a regular-season and postseason game against one team; the other is Wilt Chamberlain.

Tatum’s performances against the Nets have an added sting: Brooklyn traded his draft rights in 2013’s infamous blockbuster deal.

Perhaps the best part for the Celtics, whether they nab a ring this year or not, is that Tatum is only in the first year of his five-year, $163 million contract ($28.1M in 2021-22, No. 35 in NBA).

An added bonus for Boston: By not qualifying for one of last season’s All-NBA Teams, he missed out on an extra $32 million.

The only thing he’s missing is a ring. Tatum and the C’s currently have the eighth-best odds (+2200*).

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks to move the ball past Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center.

The NBA Has Autumn Relevance Thanks To In-Season Tournament

The league set a new attendance record in the month of November.
LeBron-James

Would Disney's ESPN Walk Away From The NBA?

Will financial pressures impact the company's decision with a longtime partner?

New Indiana Pacers Investor Could Offer Succession Option

The Pacers are selling a 20% minority stake in the team.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates court side behind Luka Doncic

Blockbuster Mavs-Cuban Deal Puts Dallas Casino Complex In Spotlight

Deal valuing NBA team at about $3.5 billion premised on arena-casino development.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Premier League Sets New Bar with Media Deals

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers
Shaquille O'Neal
exclusive
December 1, 2023

A.I. Shaq? Authentic Files Trademarks Hinting at Virtual Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal and licensing group claim “ASK SHAQ” and “SHAQ A.I.”
December 2, 2023

Ohtani's Future Deal Takes Center Stage As Winter Meetings Kick Off

The two-way phenom is expected to sign the largest-ever player contract in U.S. team sports.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
November 30, 2023

Tracking Devices and Bags of Cash: A Soccer Scandal in Turkey

Former Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan is involved in the scandal.
November 30, 2023

Ronaldo Sued For $1B In Latest Fallout From Athlete Crypto Deals

Soccer superstar latest to be hit in legal fallout from crypto decline.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands celebrates his victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 30, 2023

The 10 Highest-Paid Formula 1 Drivers For 2023

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen tops the list with $70 million.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi smiles as he walks on the field against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Red Bull Arena.
November 16, 2023

The Results of Messi Mania Are In

A million people per match tuned in for Messi and Inter Miami.