Jayson Tatum's improved play

[CelticsElite]

Reminder that ainge passed on fultz and ball to take Tatum


Remember how excited the 76ers fans were when they got fultz lol. Embiid tweeting out “trust the process” when it happened. Thanks for the free pick losers! Even Romeo is better than fultz and maybe ball one day


https://twitter.com/Kungu_NBA/status/1225839300832612356

[Celtics4ever]

Reminder that ainge passed on fultz and ball to take Tatum

That was a no brainer given Fultz's limited play in college classic hide the faults strategy ala Exum .  Also, all that play did not translate into wins like Ben Simmons.

[cman88]

Tatum now leads the team in scoring at 22.2 points.

must be refreshing for walker to have 3 other players average over 16ppg with Brown at 20.2 and Hayward at 17.1

now, if we can just get healthy and get robert williams back I think we are right there in it.

[RockinRyA]

He has done a good job on the defensive end as well. Also using more hesitation and change of pace in his drives instead of putting his head down trying to beat his man and end up with a bad pass or a bad floater. He is still missing wide open teammates (some of which are particularly bad because the play ends up with a turnover) but has done a good job cutting it down from what it was weeks ago.

[Celtics4ever]

Dare I say, making the all star game has boosted his confidence...

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Tatum worked so hard to get to 20 points to begin the season. He shot too much, drove into traffic to try to draw fouls, and was generally forcing it.

Now, it seems like he gets to 25 points with ease. It feels like you can just expect an open three kickout to him, a stepback or screened dribble up three, 2-3 drives, and couple free throws, an easy fast break baskets, and 1-2 midrange fade-aways.

The crazy thing is, I think he can get better. I think he still struggles with picking his spots getting to the hoop, struggles with picking his spots from mid-range, and struggles drawing fouls. He's way better than he used to be earlier this year, but he will only get more comfortable in those areas the more he plays in CBS offense and the stronger he gets.

[Who]

They look like a title winning team with Tatum playing at this level.

[LilRip]

Making the all star team looks like it lifted a great weight off of Tatum’s shoulders. I’m sure he felt the pressure trying to “fulfill his potential” and maybe that’s why it felt like he was trying to get his numbers. Now that he’s an all star, he’s back to just focusing on basketball, which, ironically, is at an all star level. Everything works out in the end!

[nickagneta]

Tatum's turnaround and dominance started well before the All-Star selections were being handed out. Since 12-31-19 here are his numbers:

23.9 PPG
6.8 RPG
3 APG
1.3 SPG
1.0 BPG
47.6/43.3/82.5 shooting splits with a TS% of 59.1%

Those are superstar numbers and you need to add he has been playing at near All-Defense level.

[johnnygreen]

Jayson has certainly been on a tear. Some key factors include:
1.   Not seeing Kyrie every day.
2.   Making the USA team and especially being under the tutelage of Greg Popovich.
3.   Making the All Star team.
4.   Could Pop’s sit down conversation with Jayson have more of an impact than we realize? Was making the All Star team the realization for Tatum of what Pop was talking about? That he could be in the same conversion as Kawhi and George if he put the work in on defense and be an elite two way player.

Both Jaylen (year 4)  and Jayson (year 3) have taken big leaps in their games this season. As scary as it sounds, I feel like Tatum will reach another level next season.

[Phantom255x]

CONGRATS Tatum!

Player of the Week in the East 

100% deserved, though I originally thought someone like Giannis was going to get the honor

[SHAQATTACK]

Wow Congratulations to Jayson  well deserved recognition!

[Ogaju]

He is getting really good.

[SHAQATTACK]

Dare I say, making the all star game has boosted his confidence...

no doubt it has boosted his confidence....sky high

[fairweatherfan]

When All-Star selections were made it seemed like a close thing between Tatum and Brown's case.

It hasn't seemed like a close thing since. He may very well be the best player on our team going forward, and certainly has been for at least the last few weeks.