A reason for optimism?

[sgrogan]

There is a theory that you need a top 5 or arguably top 5 player to win a championship in the NBA.
Past history seems to support this.

So what is the chance we have a player with that potential? You need to get to Top 10 to get to Top 5.

Right now if some asked;
Is Jason Tatum Top 10? I'd say No.
Can he be Top 10? I'd say Yes.
Will he be Top 10? I've recently upgraded to probably.

Ranking is somewhat arbitrary, but I think it matters. It effects both, how teammates and opponents, and the refs treat the player.

There is a lot of positive developments on this front.
Tatum's 50 point games last season.
Durant's comment at the Olympics that Tatum will break his scoring records.
Celtic's getting a Christmas game despite the .500 record last year.
National commercials.

This may sound superfluous, but I think it matters.
Tatum's stats when he gets to the line 10 times are outrageous.
If he starts getting more "star treatment" not only will his 5.3 FTA/gm increase but other calls too.

A reach in foul becomes a non-call.
A travel or double-dribble is a non-call.
A strip, is a trip to the line.

Not that all theses calls happen every game, but sometimes at the most critical moment....

Has anyone else noticed the emergence on the national level?

[action781]

I think he's not a top 10 player yet, but is on his way to becoming one in 1-3 years.

That's why I don't want us to make stupid signings now that screw up our cap sheet 1-3 years from now or trade our young guys now for stop gaps this season.  Our contending window is going to begin 1-3 years from now.  Let's focus our moves on not detracting from that window.