Colin Cowherd's Persistent Criticism Of Jayson Tatum: Is He Underrated?

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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Colin Cowherd's Main Arguments Against Jayson Tatum

Colin Cowherd's critiques of Jayson Tatum are multifaceted, often focusing on perceived shortcomings in high-pressure situations, leadership, and comparisons to other NBA superstars.

Clutch Performance Questions

Cowherd frequently highlights Tatum's perceived struggles in "clutch" moments, questioning his ability to deliver under intense playoff pressure. He often cites specific games where Tatum's performance fell short of expectations.

• Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals: Cowherd pointed to Tatum's relatively low scoring output in this pivotal game against the Miami Heat as evidence of his inability to perform under pressure.
• Multiple playoff series closeouts: Cowherd frequently cites instances where Tatum, despite strong regular season performances, didn't quite reach the scoring or overall impact level expected in elimination games.
• Free throw shooting in critical moments: While Tatum's free throw percentage is generally high, Cowherd has highlighted instances where missed free throws in late-game scenarios impacted the outcome.

Statistical comparisons between Tatum's regular season and playoff performances often form the basis of Cowherd's argument. While his regular season numbers are consistently excellent, the perceived dip in performance during the playoffs fuels the criticism.

Leadership and On-Court Demeanor

Beyond individual performance, Cowherd has also criticized Tatum's leadership style and on-court demeanor. He often questions whether Tatum possesses the necessary qualities to lead a championship-caliber team.

• Vocal leadership: Cowherd argues Tatum needs to be more vocal and assertive as a leader on the court.
• Body language: Cowherd has commented on Tatum's body language at times, suggesting frustration or a lack of unwavering confidence.
• Interactions with teammates: Although this is less frequent criticism, Cowherd occasionally points to perceived issues in Tatum's interactions with other Celtics players.

However, it's crucial to note that Tatum's leadership style might be evolving. He's demonstrably become more vocal and engaged with younger teammates, showing signs of growth in this area.

Comparison to other NBA Stars

A recurring theme in Cowherd's commentary is the comparison of Tatum to other elite NBA players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard. These comparisons often serve to diminish Tatum's accomplishments.

• Championship rings: Cowherd frequently points to the lack of championship rings compared to players like LeBron James, emphasizing the importance of team success over individual statistics.
• Playoff dominance: The comparisons frequently highlight the superior playoff performances of players like Durant and Leonard, contrasting them with Tatum's perceived inconsistencies.
• Overall impact on the game: The criticism sometimes suggests that Tatum doesn't have the same all-around game impact as other superstars.

However, these comparisons are not always fair. Each player has their unique strengths and weaknesses, and comparing them directly can be misleading. Tatum is still a relatively young player with immense potential.

Counterarguments: Why Jayson Tatum ISN'T Underrated

Despite Cowherd's criticisms, numerous arguments support the notion that Jayson Tatum is indeed not underrated. His accomplishments and continuous growth showcase a player deserving of elite status.

Impressive Statistical Achievements

Tatum boasts an impressive array of statistical achievements that solidify his place among the NBA's best.

• Multiple All-Star selections: Tatum's consistent All-Star appearances demonstrate his league-wide recognition as an elite talent.
• All-NBA Team selections: His inclusion in the All-NBA team further cements his status among the league's top players.
• High scoring averages: Tatum's consistently high scoring averages reflect his offensive prowess.
• Improved efficiency: Over his career, Tatum has consistently improved his efficiency in scoring, rebounding, and assisting. (Consider including charts here comparing his statistics year-over-year).

Impact on the Boston Celtics

Tatum's influence extends far beyond personal statistics; he is a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics' success.

• Multiple playoff appearances: Tatum has been a key figure in multiple deep playoff runs for the Celtics.
• Franchise player: He's undeniably the franchise player, a vital piece of the team's identity and future ambitions.
• Teammates' praise: Testimonials from teammates and coaches repeatedly highlight his leadership and impact on team morale and performance.

Growth and Improvement

Far from stagnating, Tatum's career trajectory shows consistent growth and development.

• Improved playmaking: Tatum has demonstrably improved his playmaking abilities over the years, becoming a more well-rounded offensive player.
• Defensive improvements: While not his strongest aspect, he displays a commitment to improving his defensive game.
• Expanded offensive arsenal: He's added new moves and improved the efficiency of his existing skills, making him harder to defend.

Conclusion

While Colin Cowherd's persistent criticism of Jayson Tatum is understandable, focusing on perceived weaknesses in specific games and comparing him to established superstars, the counterarguments presented highlight Tatum's undeniable talent and impressive achievements. His impressive statistics, significant contributions to the Boston Celtics, and demonstrable growth throughout his career showcase a player who deserves to be recognized among the NBA's elite. Is Colin Cowherd right to criticize Jayson Tatum, or is he truly an underrated superstar? Share your thoughts in the comments below!