In the NBA, there are certain players who fly under the radar despite their immense contributions to their teams. Jayson Tatum, a star player for the Boston Celtics, falls into this category. Despite never finishing higher than fourth in MVP voting and lacking the flashy playing style of other top players, Tatum's steady and unselfish game has played a significant role in the success of the Celtics.

Throughout his career, Tatum's game has been overshadowed by heliocentric mega-producers like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His statistics may not garner the same attention as Jokić's exceptional passing, Dončić's offensive control, or Giannis' relentless slashing. In fact, he has even had remarkable performances, leading his team in several categories during important matches, only to be overlooked for awards like the Finals MVP, which was awarded to Jaylen Brown.

Tatum's shooting splits of 38.8 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from deep may have played a part in not receiving individual accolades, but it is his ability to adapt to the team's needs and contribute in other areas that sets him apart. He is not a ball-dominant player like many stars in today's game, and his impact extends beyond scoring, as his defensive prowess greatly influences games on the less flashy side of the floor.

Even when faced with shooting struggles in the Finals, Tatum continued to make significant contributions to help his team secure victory. He showcased his defensive skills by taking on challenging assignments and utilizing his length to disrupt opponents' ball-handling and passing lanes. Additionally, he played a crucial role as a rebounder and dished out 11 assists in one game, emphasizing his selflessness on the court.

Basking in the glory of the NBA championship, Jaylen Brown praised Tatum's selflessness and attitude, highlighting his approach not just in the series or Finals but throughout the playoffs. Tatum's unselfishness has also paved the way for Boston's deep roster, which comprises six players, including Tatum, Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Al Horford, who can be relied upon to shoot, pass, or handle the ball effectively.

While Tatum may not put up the near-triple-double averages required for MVP talks, his selfless and team-oriented style of play aligns perfectly with the modern-day prototype of the three-and-D-plus wing player. His ability to do what his team needs to win has solidified his legacy as an unsung hero. Since joining the league in 2017, the Celtics have accumulated an impressive total of 428 regular-season and postseason wins, surpassing the nearest team by 20 victories.

Despite changes in coaching staff and a roster turnover that included 74 different players, Tatum has been the constant force for the Celtics. He leads the team in games played, points, rebounds, and plus/minus, showcasing his indomitable presence and impact on the court.

While Tatum may not have the same collection of individual honors as his peers, he now possesses the most coveted one: the Larry O'Brien trophy. His contributions have been instrumental in the Celtics' success, and his unselfishness and winning mentality make him an invaluable asset to his team.

In an era dominated by high-profile stars, Jayson Tatum's understated greatness shines through as he quietly cements his place as a key figure in Boston Celtics history.