Jayson Tatum again named to All-NBA First Team, making Celtics history

Jayson Tatum has been named to the All-NBA First Team for the fourth season, the NBA announced on Friday evening. Tatum is now a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, including four first-team selections.

Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-high 6 assists per game this past season. He shot 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three. He led the Celtics to 61 wins, the league’s third-best record, finishing with a plus-minus of +7.4.Tatum made a career-high 250 3-pointers, placing him seventh in the league in that category. He was one of two NBA players to make at least 250 3-pointers and 350 free throws (Anthony Edwards).

“Congratulations to Jayson on his All-NBA selection,” said Celtics general manager Brad Stevens in an official statement. “To be honored five years in a row, with four First-Team selections, speaks to his dedication and drive to be amongst the game’s best. He’s a great teammate and player, and is deserving of all the accolades that come his way.”

Tatum tallied 28 games with at least 30 points, which was tied for the fourth-most such efforts in the NBA this season.

In addition to Tatum, the All-NBA First Team includes: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Tatum.

The All-NBA Second Team includes: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Stephen Curry (Warriors), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)

The All-NBA Third Team includes: Jalen Williams (Thunder), James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers).

Jaylen Brown, who likely would have been in the mix for an All-NBA selection, did not play the required 65 games largely due to a knee injury he battled for the second half of the season.

Tatum is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the second round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks. Next season will mark his first season not on the All-NBA First Team since 2022.

With the selection, Tatum moves into the top five Celtics in All-NBA First Team selections. Bob Cousy has the most All-NBA First Team selections in franchise history, amassing 10 throughout his career in Boston. Larry Bird is second on that list with 9 selections. At just 27, Tatum ties John Havlicek and Bill Sharman for third on that list, as each Celtics star has four career selections.