It's interesting because what we debate here is what Ainge was doing before the draft when he chose Tatum over Fultz.
Let's look at what will help him in his NBA career.
Yes Tatum has owned all the guys whom are trying to cover him in SL. He should be owning them and he is, which is a good sign. He senses opportunity against a weaker competitor and is aggressive.
He is aggressive on offense and his hard moves are accurate. Nadir is also aggressive on offense, but, he lacks the accuracy of Tatum. Tatum will get jammed and blocked from time to time, but, not often enough to affect his game. Like a top NFL running back, Tatum is slippery. Like Barry Sanders.
He has really great hands and, using the ball, he can get his opponent off balance with all manner of change ups. Kind of like Luis Tiant's pitch delivery, you just don't know what's coming.
Again on his hands as above, Tatum can make his opponent miss. It won't be as easy against NBA defenders, but, Tatum has a repertoire that will serve him well. Brown is clearly on the improve, but, compare him with Tatum for a moment. Jaylen has a great explosion, but, there is still a pause in a lot of his moves. Tatum exhibits such fluidity that the set up, the first move and the explosion are just one arc.
The step back and fade is, in fact, Tatum's shot. He works on it and is proud of it.
Will he get a NBA three going? The stats will tell, but, we all know Stevens will have him attempt a ton of them and he has so many other strengths that will help with his 3 pt production prospects seem good.
Finally, Tatum "wants it." He will have his share of rookie moments this year of course, but, he will not be hiding in the corner watching the game. My hope is that his desire and willingness will help him develop on defense. This combined with our team's defensive tradition, league ranking and strength of the head coach should make Tatum into a good defender.
His hands, presence and BBIQ are reflected in his passing ability and for this reason alone he will make this Celtics team better.
He doesn't force his game it just happens.