Where does Tatum rank among SFs?

[Roy H.]

Hoopshype says:

1. Tatum
2. Durant
3. Kawhi
4. Lebron
5. Butler

https://hoopshype.com/lists/ranking-top-25-small-forwards-2022-23-season-lebron-giannis-kawhi-butler/

Watching Jayson Tatum get past Giannis Antetokounmpo, Durant and Butler in last year’s playoffs before running out of steam in the Finals almost felt like a passing of the torch, one that established Tatum as the best swingman in basketball.

Our panel saw it that way, at least, as four of our eight voters had Tatum as the No. 1 small forward for the upcoming 2022-23 season. It’s easy to see why, too, as the former Duke standout averaged 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 45.3 percent from the floor in what was merely his Age-23 season.

With room left to grow and the confidence after his Finals run acting as the wind in his sails, we expect an even better version of Tatum next year, which is why we landed with him at No. 1 on this list.

[Rondo9]

Number one where he belongs! 

[Roy H.]

For those who subscribe to the Athletic, more Tatum:

https://theathletic.com/3483821/2022/08/08/jayson-tatum-celtics-kevin-durant/

[Moranis]

I believe both Durant and James are still better players than Tatum, though he could pass them both at some point this year.  Kawhi very certainly could be as well, but it is hard to predict what he will actually look like with such a long hiatus. 

[slamtheking]

have to admit the failure in the Finals taints my view.  would put him behind Lebron, Durant right now.  Kawhi has to prove it to me on the court before getting that high a ranking.  Butler made a good case for himself in that group

[#1P4P]

After the initial surprise fades, with JT’s durability and him still climbing toward his peak, it’s safe to project him being a better player as soon as this upcoming season. Even if he plateaued (he hasn’t), he’s playing in close to 90% of games plus the playoffs, while the others are struggling to play in 60% and are still hobbling at playoff time.

Aside from the durability advantage, that Game 6 at Milwaukee facing elimination against the best player in the world and defending Champion Bucks is a microcosm of how great he is. When he reaches a point of consistency, it’ll be a consensus, instead of the hot take it is today.

With the success of Tatum and the Cs, Ja and the Grizz, and Luka and the Mavs and teams with great depth, Lebron missing the playoffs, and all of the other things that happened, last season felt like a changing of the guard.

[Vermont Green]

Seems like a big drop off after RJ Barrett at 14.

It is hard to categorize.  Is it what you expect next season?  Carry over from last season?  Average of last 3 seasons.

If you are going into next season and you had to pick for one season, I think Durant and James would win over Tatum.  Jimmy Butler might too (a lot more free throws) but Tatum is definitely right there with these guys, and the youngest by far.  You could make an argument for just about any order for these 4.

I don't know what you should expect from Kawhi Leonard or Paul George.  I don't think either will be better than Tatum or Butler though.  I would definitely take Tatum over either just based on the greater certainly with Tatum.

[SHAQATTACK]

#1

[liam]

#1

Agreed.

[mef730]

#1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPUXpH5Sww4

Mike

[Roy H.]

For right now, he’s #1 due to durability and two-way play.

After last season, though, I’m not sure that I’d pick him #1 for a playoff series.

[Big333223]

He's #1.

After what happened in round one last year, you can't put Durant ahead of him. Kawhi hasn't played in forever so who knows about him. Lebron's numbers were inflated on a lottery team last season, he's lost a few steps. Butler is a gamer but he's not on those other guys' level, really.

Tatum's the best SF in the league right now.

[Yuckabuck33]

have to admit the failure in the Finals taints my view.  would put him behind Lebron, Durant right now.  Kawhi has to prove it to me on the court before getting that high a ranking.  Butler made a good case for himself in that group

Why doesn't Durant's failure in the 1st round taint the view?