Nick Wright has never been shy about making controversial basketball takes, and his latest assessment of Jayson Tatum is no exception. Following the Boston Celtics’ Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, Wright made a striking comparison, stating,
“Jayson Tatum is the Kobe Bryant of Paul George’s.”
At first glance, Wright’s analogy seems perplexing. Kobe Bryant is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, known for his relentless work ethic, clutch performances, and five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul George, while an elite player in his own right, has often been criticized for inconsistency in high-pressure moments.
So, what does Wright mean by calling Tatum the “Kobe Bryant of Paul George’s”? Essentially, he’s suggesting that Tatum is the best version of a player in the Paul George mold—talented, versatile, and capable of elite performances, but not quite at the level of a true franchise-defining superstar like Bryant.
Wright’s comments came after Tatum struggled in Game 2, scoring just 13 points on 26.3% shooting. The Celtics blew a 20-point lead, and Tatum’s final possession—where he was stripped by Mikal Bridges—became a focal point of criticism. Wright elaborated on his statement, saying,
“He’s the best Paul George I’ve seen. He wants to be Kobe… that’s why he’s the Kobe Bryant… I don’t really trust you dunking on LeBron [James] and I don’t trust you with the game on the line.”
“Jayson Tatum is the Kobe Bryant of Paul George’s.”
– Nick Wright
(🎥 @FTFonFS1 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 8, 2025
This critique aligns with a common narrative surrounding Tatum—while he has all the tools to be a superstar, he hasn’t consistently delivered in the biggest moments. His shooting struggles in the series (28.6% from the field, 25% from three) have only fueled the debate.
While Wright’s analogy is provocative, it may not be entirely fair to Tatum. Unlike George, Tatum has led his team to multiple NBA Finals, a championship, and has been a key figure in deep playoff runs. His defensive ability, rebounding, and leadership have all improved over the years, making him more than just a high-level scorer.
However, the criticism of his clutch performances remains valid. Tatum has had moments where he’s disappeared in crucial games, and his decision-making under pressure has been questioned. If he wants to shed the “Paul George” label and truly embody the Kobe Bryant mentality, he’ll need to prove himself in the biggest moments—starting with Game 3.
