I turned on the NBA channel and the first thing that I saw was " Is Jason Tatum the most complete player in the game offensively?" ESPN analyst Greg Anthony immediately agreed. Granted, Tatum had just dropped 43 points on the Detroit Pistons, and he has apparently cleaned up his act with turnovers after setting the All-time playoff turnover record last season. I decided to compare Jason Tatum's season to Luka Doncic's since both players have started this season on fire.
First of all, I have been the first person to get on Luka Doncic about his dribbling too much, and slowing down the Dallas Maverick offense. Last season I also tore into him for being out of shape. Apparently, Luka must have been listening because he worked out and played all summer long. He came into this season ready to play.
Luka Doncic is averaging close to a 'triple double', and he has scored 40 or more points in multiple games this season already. In fact, on the night that Jason Tatum dropped 43 points on the Pistons, Luka Doncic had 42 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers, a much better team.
Luka Doncic is currently averaging 34.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, and 8.1 apg over the first 13 games. Doncic is also shooting 49.6% from the field, 28.6% from three point range, and his 3.3 turnovers per game are the lowest of his career. On the other hand, Jason Tatum is averaging 32.2 ppg, 7.1. rpg, and 4.1 apg. Tatum is also shooting 50% from the field, 38.7% from three point range, and averaging only 2.5 TOVs.
At this stage in the season I would have to give Luka Doncic the slight edge because of his more beastly all around numbers. Be advised, it is still early in the season. I can vividly remember last season when everyone was saying Kevin Durant was a lock for the MVP award because of his hot start. Things have a way of changing in a 82 game season. I would not rule Jason Tatum out. He is playing like he has something to prove.
