Tatum has become a prima donna. Stevens is scared to put him in his place.
The Heat played so much harder than the Celtics in the 2nd half. Really feel that the difference in effort was why they won. Along we terrible rotation decisions by Stevens.
I do think it's fair to ask whether Stevens is the coach to get them over the hump. Tatum may need someone to push him to get him to the next level. Is Brad the guy to do that?
Of course if you go the other way and bring in someone of the 'aggressive' variety, you run the risk of making Tatum want to go elsewhere - such is life in today's player-centric NBA.
I'm doubting Tatum can be best player on a championship team. I have more respect right now for Jimmy Butler. He rises to the occasion. Tatum has wilted. His defense is frankly overrated in this series too. Butler just blows by him. Jimmy Butler, one of the more slow footed swings in the NBA.
Okay, let's slow it down a bit. He's 22 years old.
There's still a lot of room for Jayson Tatum to grow. Sure, he's not on par as a superstar with his performances right now, but it's too early to say he can't be the best player on a championship team.
Every year he has grown. This is the next evolutionary step, be more physically strong, be more mentally tough. I know he hasn't had a good series so far but you gotta give the kid some kind of break.
Same goes for Jaylen, although his effort today was by far the best on this squad.