There are 8 players better than Jayson Tatum? No chance.

OK, Nikola Jokic is No. 1. I'd go with Victor Wembanyama , but Jokic is certainly special. Then comes Wemby, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander . That's pretty clearly the top three until further notice, at least from my perspective.

Tatum should be next, or at least close to it, right? Wait a minute, Luka Doncic is fourth with that kind of defense? Giannis Antetokounmpo is ahead of Tatum without a jump shot? Jalen Brunson had a magical run and is elite, but give me Tatum any day. Anthony Edwards can score in bunches, but seventh feels like a stretch. Cade Cunningham , at No. 8, is a bright star but still has room to grow.

Then comes Tatum, sitting at No. 9, right before Donovan Mitchell . Seriously? I know lists like this are designed to stir the pot and spark debate, but I genuinely disagree with putting Tatum that low.