They probably won’t get traded but if one is to trade Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Boston Celtics will get more from their star than the Milwaukee Bucks will.
That is what NBA analyst and podcaster Ryen Russillo is suggesting.
Both players are playing splendid individually for their respective teams but the Celtics have a better record.
First, he raved about the way Tatum is currently playing this season.
“Tatum this year, man, I think he’s incredible. The numbers may not scream it at you or not paying attention but to see what’s he is doing to some of these defenses and what they’re trying to do to him, this is the best he’s played. Like the best I’ve ever felt about Tatum,” he said.
He then compared him to the Greek Freak. The kicker is his age.
Tatum will turn 27 on March while Antetokounmpo just turned 30 last month.
“And the fact the age thing here is I think he should actually be ranked ahead of Giannis,” Rusillo said.
His co-host and The Ringer founder Bill Simmons agreed with him.
“Two things: responsibility, he’s among the toughest in the league what he does every night. Durability. It’s surprising when he doesn’t play and I was there in back-to-back LA games. Both teams’ strategy is to beat the s*** out of Tatum,” Simmons said.
Reactions on Russillo’s Giannis Antetokounmpo comments
Top comment in a Clutch Points repost agreed on the age factor.
“Giannis is the better player but Tatum is younger, has 2 extra years on his contract and is still a borderline top 5 player in the league. Also, I think Tatum’s game will age better than Giannis who relies so much more on athleticism,” said one user.
SPOT ON. He’s getting doubled & tripled, w/ the main big & the main on ball defender on him. Forcing him to take tough shots or drive & finish through contract. AND HES DOING IT.
Tatum is unbelievable. Maybe not flashy & at the inevitable level yet like Jolie. But he’s coming… https://t.co/AVHlbN7oO0
— Salibanomics (@Salibanomics) January 29, 2025
Over at The Ringer’s post, another person makes an argument but with a twist.
“The Celtics would trade him to the bucks for Giannis in a second and the bucks would not trade Giannis for him. Think this violates trade value values,” the user wrote.
Tatum is having the best season of his career. Top 5 player this season.
And yet Giannis is still having a better season. Put Giannis on the Celtics and they cruise to another title. https://t.co/TM6mVkOtQH
— Ahsan Ejaz (@AhsanDEjaz) January 29, 2025
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
