We Are Too Low on Jayson Tatum

[nickagneta]

On Tatum improving his scoring = I care less about him scoring more and instead want to see him improve his ball-handling and passing.

I do not want to see him become more one dimensional. He needs to become more well-rounded. I would be ecstatic to see him average 4apg and 18ppg rather than 25ppg and 2apg.

I want to see him be able to abuse smaller guys when they switch onto him in the paint instead of shooting fallaways or passing out.  With his long arms every time he gets iso'd there - without a Giannis/Embid around to help - he should be scoring or getting fouled.  Instead he often seems to shy away from contact.  I also think he struggles to get by good defenders - maybe that improves as his ball handling improves but I wonder whether a lack of athleticism contributes as well.  That's something that cannot be improved upon.

Tatum needs a go to move he can perfect when posting that he can get over just about anyone. Brown's turnaround, fall away jumper with knee kick from 10-15 feet became deadly for him and he was draining them even over bigs. Tatum has to develop something like that.

So intelligent of Brown to create that move and make it part of his arsenal. I love that he has figured out his game is three point shooting, drives to make contact or finish and post moves with 15 feet of the basket. All smart places to have offense and avoiding those mid range 17-22 foot 2 point shots.

Tatum needs to learn this. His mid range game is better than some and has potential, but he is better off creating side step moves on the perimeter to clear space for a three point shot rather than two dribbles in to take a 20 footer. And he needs to become much better at creating and finishing through contact, something Brown improved on drastically as the year went on. That means hitting the weights and putting on more man muscle.

[moiso]

On Tatum improving his scoring = I care less about him scoring more and instead want to see him improve his ball-handling and passing.

I do not want to see him become more one dimensional. He needs to become more well-rounded. I would be ecstatic to see him average 4apg and 18ppg rather than 25ppg and 2apg.

I want to see him be able to abuse smaller guys when they switch onto him in the paint instead of shooting fallaways or passing out.  With his long arms every time he gets iso'd there - without a Giannis/Embid around to help - he should be scoring or getting fouled.  Instead he often seems to shy away from contact.  I also think he struggles to get by good defenders - maybe that improves as his ball handling improves but I wonder whether a lack of athleticism contributes as well.  That's something that cannot be improved upon.

He seems to shy away from contact because if he gets the slightest contact with the defender he generally misses the shot.  It can drive me nuts how weak he seems in those situations.  That being said, I dont think scoring rate/ppm means a thing since he played last season with a team full of ball hogs.  Tatum wants the green light to be one too

[LarBrd33]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

[kraidstar]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

This right here. For his age he has been fantastic, and he should only get better.

His court vision should improve over time, and that will really open up the rest of his game. I expect him to be a force at both ends of the court. His length is excellent and his defensive instincts are very good for someone so young.

New Orleans will be happy to get such a strong prospect in a trade. He's a safe bet with perennial all-star potential and a very high floor. Bare minimum he's going to be a good player for a very long time. It's rare getting a sure thing like that. Most guys his age are just struggling to not get knocked out of the league.

[nickagneta]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

This right here. For his age he has been fantastic, and he should only get better.

His court vision should improve over time, and that will really open up the rest of his game. I expect him to be a force at both ends of the court. His length is excellent and his defensive instincts are very good for someone so young.

New Orleans will be happy to get such a strong prospect in a trade. He's a safe bet with perennial all-star potential and a very high floor. Bare minimum he's going to be a good player for a very long time. It's rare getting a sure thing like that. Most guys his age are just struggling to not get knocked out of the league.

While I disagree about Tatum being the best prospect since Bird(I think it can be argued Reggie Lewis, Al Jefferson, Kevin McHale and Jaylen Brown all were prospects that were equal to or better prospects than Tatum), the point stands, he is a tremendous prospect with a very high ceiling(possible top 10 player).

And, as you so very intelligently pointed out, Tatum has a tremendously high floor. So TP4U. It's rare to be able to obtain a prospect who's guaranteed floor at 21 years old is a #2 or #3 option that will get you 18/7/3 on above average efficiency for many years.

I think this is why he is so highly valued across the league. That and he showed as a rookie he can come up big in the playoffs. He had an up and down playoffs this year, mostly down, but had a couple great games. The showing up big when it counts gene is definitely there, it just has to be nurtured and grown.

But, Tatum has to put in the work. Good work. Not the work he put in last off-season.

[GreenFaith1819]

Love Tatum, but in the event that Kyrie departs we will need for him to take a significant jump...

No Kyrie means no AD, from my POV.

If this happens then no more excuses....we will need for him to be Numero Uno (or Uno Alpha)...he has considerable skills...all the tools.....

In the event that Kyrie leaves (still hoping that this doesn't happen) we can STILL be a VERY GOOD team if Tatum can make this jump.....we'll need Hayward to get close to 16-17 level...JB will be VERY good as well.

PHI will NOT be as good next year...won't have JB and maybe not Tobias. Simmons still has holes in his game.

MIL will NOT be able to bring everyone back...probably Middleton and Brooke but not sure if they'll have enough to bring back Brogdon (for what he's worth).

We'll have a shot to be VERY GOOD, still.....no more Kyrie to throw under the bus...no more sacrificial lambs wearing number 11.......

No more excuses.

Either he makes a jump (if Kyrie leaves) or he doesn't. If he doesn't then welcome back to Lotteryville. Been there done that.....

Those SAME posters that wanted Kyrie out of town I sincerely HOPE they're still around if Tatum can't make this jump next season in the event that Kyrie leaves.

[footey]

I like Tatum, but don't feel he will become a primary scorer on a championship team.  Secondary scorer probably. Just have not observed that in his makeup. I realize he is awfully young to be making that assessment, and could be proven wrong.

That is why I would not hesitate to include him in trade for Davis, and regardless of whether Kyrie returns. If Kyrie returns it's a no-brainer. If not, I can understand the arguments on both sides. I just think you have to go for it when a player of Davis' caliber becomes available, and you are still able to hold onto really good assets, so that you have a legit shot at winning a championship.

[JBcat]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

This right here. For his age he has been fantastic, and he should only get better.

His court vision should improve over time, and that will really open up the rest of his game. I expect him to be a force at both ends of the court. His length is excellent and his defensive instincts are very good for someone so young.

New Orleans will be happy to get such a strong prospect in a trade. He's a safe bet with perennial all-star potential and a very high floor. Bare minimum he's going to be a good player for a very long time. It's rare getting a sure thing like that. Most guys his age are just struggling to not get knocked out of the league.

While I disagree about Tatum being the best prospect since Bird(I think it can be argued Reggie Lewis, Al Jefferson, Kevin McHale and Jaylen Brown all were prospects that were equal to or better prospects than Tatum), the point stands, he is a tremendous prospect with a very high ceiling(possible top 10 player).

And, as you so very intelligently pointed out, Tatum has a tremendously high floor. So TP4U. It's rare to be able to obtain a prospect who's guaranteed floor at 21 years old is a #2 or #3 option that will get you 18/7/3 on above average efficiency for many years.

I think this is why he is so highly valued across the league. That and he showed as a rookie he can come up big in the playoffs. He had an up and down playoffs this year, mostly down, but had a couple great games. The showing up big when it counts gene is definitely there, it just has to be nurtured and grown.

But, Tatum has to put in the work. Good work. Not the work he put in last off-season.

Don’t forget Paul Pierce and even Len Bias as prospects since Bird.  Bias would have been something else.  What a shame.   Maybe Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups you could lump into that group, or at the very least close to it.

[nickagneta]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

This right here. For his age he has been fantastic, and he should only get better.

His court vision should improve over time, and that will really open up the rest of his game. I expect him to be a force at both ends of the court. His length is excellent and his defensive instincts are very good for someone so young.

New Orleans will be happy to get such a strong prospect in a trade. He's a safe bet with perennial all-star potential and a very high floor. Bare minimum he's going to be a good player for a very long time. It's rare getting a sure thing like that. Most guys his age are just struggling to not get knocked out of the league.

While I disagree about Tatum being the best prospect since Bird(I think it can be argued Reggie Lewis, Al Jefferson, Kevin McHale and Jaylen Brown all were prospects that were equal to or better prospects than Tatum), the point stands, he is a tremendous prospect with a very high ceiling(possible top 10 player).

And, as you so very intelligently pointed out, Tatum has a tremendously high floor. So TP4U. It's rare to be able to obtain a prospect who's guaranteed floor at 21 years old is a #2 or #3 option that will get you 18/7/3 on above average efficiency for many years.

I think this is why he is so highly valued across the league. That and he showed as a rookie he can come up big in the playoffs. He had an up and down playoffs this year, mostly down, but had a couple great games. The showing up big when it counts gene is definitely there, it just has to be nurtured and grown.

But, Tatum has to put in the work. Good work. Not the work he put in last off-season.

Don’t forget Paul Pierce and even Len Bias as prospects since Bird.  Bias would have been something else.  What a shame.   Maybe Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups you could lump into that group, or at the very least close to it.

Yup...completely forgot about Pierce. Iso Joe and Chauncey were pretty great prospects as well.

[Fierce1]

I like Tatum, but don't feel he will become a primary scorer on a championship team.  Secondary scorer probably. Just have not observed that in his makeup. I realize he is awfully young to be making that assessment, and could be proven wrong.

That is why I would not hesitate to include him in trade for Davis, and regardless of whether Kyrie returns. If Kyrie returns it's a no-brainer. If not, I can understand the arguments on both sides. I just think you have to go for it when a player of Davis' caliber becomes available, and you are still able to hold onto really good assets, so that you have a legit shot at winning a championship.

I agree.

Tatum for Anthony Davis is a no-brainer and the Celts should go all in for a player of Davis' caliber.

[Surferdad]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

He is not a better prospect than Paul Pierce (or Bird). He is the best prospect since Al Jefferson.

[footey]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

This right here. For his age he has been fantastic, and he should only get better.

His court vision should improve over time, and that will really open up the rest of his game. I expect him to be a force at both ends of the court. His length is excellent and his defensive instincts are very good for someone so young.

New Orleans will be happy to get such a strong prospect in a trade. He's a safe bet with perennial all-star potential and a very high floor. Bare minimum he's going to be a good player for a very long time. It's rare getting a sure thing like that. Most guys his age are just struggling to not get knocked out of the league.

While I disagree about Tatum being the best prospect since Bird(I think it can be argued Reggie Lewis, Al Jefferson, Kevin McHale and Jaylen Brown all were prospects that were equal to or better prospects than Tatum), the point stands, he is a tremendous prospect with a very high ceiling(possible top 10 player).

And, as you so very intelligently pointed out, Tatum has a tremendously high floor. So TP4U. It's rare to be able to obtain a prospect who's guaranteed floor at 21 years old is a #2 or #3 option that will get you 18/7/3 on above average efficiency for many years.

I think this is why he is so highly valued across the league. That and he showed as a rookie he can come up big in the playoffs. He had an up and down playoffs this year, mostly down, but had a couple great games. The showing up big when it counts gene is definitely there, it just has to be nurtured and grown.

But, Tatum has to put in the work. Good work. Not the work he put in last off-season.

Don’t forget Paul Pierce and even Len Bias as prospects since Bird.  Bias would have been something else.  What a shame.   Maybe Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups you could lump into that group, or at the very least close to it.

Yup...completely forgot about Pierce. Iso Joe and Chauncey were pretty great prospects as well.

Not at the time we traded them.

[nickagneta]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

This right here. For his age he has been fantastic, and he should only get better.

His court vision should improve over time, and that will really open up the rest of his game. I expect him to be a force at both ends of the court. His length is excellent and his defensive instincts are very good for someone so young.

New Orleans will be happy to get such a strong prospect in a trade. He's a safe bet with perennial all-star potential and a very high floor. Bare minimum he's going to be a good player for a very long time. It's rare getting a sure thing like that. Most guys his age are just struggling to not get knocked out of the league.

While I disagree about Tatum being the best prospect since Bird(I think it can be argued Reggie Lewis, Al Jefferson, Kevin McHale and Jaylen Brown all were prospects that were equal to or better prospects than Tatum), the point stands, he is a tremendous prospect with a very high ceiling(possible top 10 player).

And, as you so very intelligently pointed out, Tatum has a tremendously high floor. So TP4U. It's rare to be able to obtain a prospect who's guaranteed floor at 21 years old is a #2 or #3 option that will get you 18/7/3 on above average efficiency for many years.

I think this is why he is so highly valued across the league. That and he showed as a rookie he can come up big in the playoffs. He had an up and down playoffs this year, mostly down, but had a couple great games. The showing up big when it counts gene is definitely there, it just has to be nurtured and grown.

But, Tatum has to put in the work. Good work. Not the work he put in last off-season.

Don’t forget Paul Pierce and even Len Bias as prospects since Bird.  Bias would have been something else.  What a shame.   Maybe Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups you could lump into that group, or at the very least close to it.

Yup...completely forgot about Pierce. Iso Joe and Chauncey were pretty great prospects as well.

Not at the time we traded them.

But they were at some point before they were traded.

[Vox_Populi]

Win shares are a team and volume stat, so it's hard to suss out how much value to place in it. Tatum has played the most of any Celtic the last two seasons and he was a top 3 pick drafted to a team that made the Conference Finals.

I think Tatum will be a star, of some kind. This last season dramatically made me lower my expectations, because part of his newfound mediocrity was of his own making. I really hope Ainge goes fully Morey and bans him from taking long twos.

[gpap]

Tatum is still the best prospect the Celtics have had since Larry bird. 

Next season he will be the same age Pierce was when he entered the league.

A statue of Tatum being erected outside North Station even as we speak.