The 2024 featuring the and has many from taking home basketball's ultimate prize. can boost himself into legendary status, can cement his legacy as an all-time great second option, and several Boston players can move into the Hall of Fame conversation with a title. Both coaches can prove themselves as legitimate franchise stalwarts for the future.
Perhaps no player has more riding on this series than Boston's superstar leader, . The Duke product has been scorned throughout his career by critics despite his . Whether this is because of the Celtics' constant presence in the playoffs without a championship, Tatum's odd shot selection in big moments or the hatred Boston sports teams usually receive, he has an opportunity to reverse that trend by hoisting the trophy.
By winning his first championship, Tatum can remind fans that he has a sneaky great resume at the young age of 26. The perception of his career will be completely changed. No Player Has Been a More Consistent Winner Than Tatum As mentioned before, Tatum's consistent presence in the late rounds of the NBA Playoffs ever since taking the floor as a rookie has somehow worked against him in the eyes of fans and the media.
Similarly to , Tatum has been punished for advancing far in the postseason and performing well, only to fall short in the Conference Finals or Finals. Tatum should receive much more credit than he has for pushing his team to excellence in the regular season, then extending that level of play into the play.