Jayson Tatum appears to be the worst case scenario on most bloggers big board. The top tier is Fultz, Ball and Jackson. Jayson Tatum has all the makings of a really good pro, but he isn't quite talked about in their company.
I was watching highlights and it struck me what role he could have if we took him. I think Tatum will be plenty capable of playing the 2 guard alongside Jaylen Brown. He shot around 40% from 3 for most of the season, but got into a 3-point shooting slump in the second half of the season that dragged his season average down to 34%. I think Tatum will be a much better 3-point shooter then his end of season average suggests.
Here's the comparison: Khris Middleton
They have nearly identical frames.
Tatum
6'8.3" Height (w/ shoes)
6'11" Wingspan
Middleton
6'8.3" Height (w/ shoes)
6'10.8" Wingspan
I thought about the comparison while watching Tatum highlights, and sure enough their have almost identical measurements. Now Tatum's measurements were taken at last summers Hoop Summit and he will probably be a tad bigger then Middleton when he enters the league.
Tatum could give us size on the perimeter, but that's to his lean build should be able to keep up with opposing guards. Jaylen Brown also has the foot speed to keep up with guards on the defensive end.
Tatum was effective as a distributor and made some really nice passes on a consistent basis. I think his athleticism a bit underrated only because he's been compared to Josh Jackson all season, who is a freak of nature. Tatum is athletic, just not on the elite level of Jaylen Brown, Josh Jackson or Andrew Wiggins.
Tatum can score from 3, mid range and while driving to the hoop. Even while he struggle from 3 down the stretch for the blue devils, he still shot a very respectable percentage from the field and showed that he can find way to score night in, night out.
I know some are concerned he wouldn't be a great fit, compared to others at the top of the draft. But honestly I think any in the top 4 will fit into what we're doing. And upon closer inspection, Jayson Tatum could actually be a very good fit to this teams roster. We would add scoring off the bench, which has been a weakness. It would also give us size at the guard position, which will compliment players like Bradley, Thomas or Rozier in certain rotations. He could give us that unique long guard play that players like Khris Middleton and Klay Thompson have proved to be very valuable. It comforting to know that we aren't at risk of missing out on these top 4 guys, and Tatum could end up have a better career than any of the other 3.