Imagine if we said that Jayson Tatum has surpassed LeBron James in popularity.

That could be true or it could be false, but according to one measure of popularity, the Boston Celtics player is more popular than King James. On Tuesday, the NBA unveiled the jerseys that sold the most during the 2023–24 season so far. Tatum came in at number two, just behind Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, but ahead of James, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In addition to becoming the only player in NBA history to see increases in scoring, rebounding, and assist averages in each of his first six seasons, Tatum has already solidified his status as a superstar in the league. Next month, he will make his fifth straight appearance and fourth consecutive start at the All-Star game in Indiana.

The 25-year-old nonetheless had a “pinch me” reaction when seeing his nаme as the number two on the list, surpassing James.

Since he is a member of one of the most beloved teams in the NBA, Tatum should probably just get accustomed to being one of the most famous players in the league. In terms of team gear sales, the Celtics were second only to the Lakers in the first half of the season, according to the NBA.

You could аrgue that Jaylen Brown, who is Tatum’s teammate, deserves to be in the top 15 on that list (though we wouldn’t be surprised if he barely missed it). However, after Monday night’s comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Tatum is clearly the best player on the NBA-leading Celtics, who have a 36-11 record.

Perhaps Tatum will push Curry for the top place if he and his teammates are able to win an NBA title in June.