I am expecting better counting numbers for both Brown and Tatum. I can easily see both jumping into the 18-20 PPG area with maybe a slight uptick in their rebounds and assists.
Here is the thing though, if they both do it with as good or better efficiency will be the key. Also, will they add more offensive weapons, the way Jaylen added his turn around, fade back, knee kick 15-16 foot jump shot last year.
I really want Tatum to fix his move at the three point line to create space for a shot. Rather than shaking the close out with a two dribbles step up move for a very long two pointer, I want to see a two dribbles side step to take the three pointer. I also need to see more muscle on Tatum and a much better ability to finish through contact at the rim, something else Brown improved on tremendously last year.
And both need to bring it defensively. Both player's defense fell off last regular season. While Brown reverted back to a defensive bulldog during the playoffs, Tatum's defense and effort on that end seemed indifferent and continued through the playoffs.
I am expecting the increase in stats but for me, I will see if both player's have taken a developmental jump through all the little other things. Take for instance, Brown's shots in the playoffs. He took not one 16-23 foot 2 point shots in the playoffs. That was a culmination of his slowly eliminating that shot during the season. That is intelligent and that is real development. It's stuff like that that I want to see.