Jason Tatum’s injury sparked a debate between Shaquille O’Neill and Charles Berkley about the next best player in the series.
After being selected as the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Jason Tatum took on the role of Cornerstone Star for the franchise.
Over the past eight years, Tatum only got better as he helped Boston Celtics Hang Championship Banner No. 18 last season.
With a chance to win a back-to-back NBA championship, Tatum’s 2025 postseason run was shortened after a brutal Achilles heel in Game 4 against the New York Knicks in the fourth round.
Now, Tatum has another chance to win an NBA title and could miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
As far as his talent goes, JT was considered the best consensus player between the Celtics and Knicks. But the spot is currently open as NBA analysts are now the best players in the game in the debate between Charles Berkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
Berkley chose Jalen Brown of the Celtics, but Shack countered that by giving him the name of Jalen Branson of the Knicks.
“I’m going to say something to you, guy. They (the Celtics) can play freely so they can win in New York. They’re going to have the best players in the game,” Berkley said.
O’Neill interrupted Berkley and wondered who he was talking about. Chuck replied: “Jaylen Brown.”
“He’s not better than Branson. You’re crazy,” added O’Neill.
“I love Branson, but Jalen Brown will be the best player in that game. The amount of pressure is in New York, and I think that’s a must-see for the Knicks,” continued Berkley.
A simple way to resolve the discussion between Berklee and O’Neill is to look at the statistics for both players.
In five games, Brown averaged 21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, shooting 40.4% from the field and 27.8% from the 3-point line.
Meanwhile, Branson averages 26.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game for the Knicks. Additionally, JB posts these numbers with better efficiency than Brown, as it shoots 42.9% from the field, including 39.5% from Deep.
Combining that with the fact that the Knicks still hold the Celtics’ 3-2 lead, for now, Branson certainly looks like a better player.