Jayson Tatum's advanced stats...wow

[vjcsmoke]

What surprises me the most about Tatum has been his 3 point shooting.

That was his biggest question mark coming out of college since he was creating most of his shots there from the midrange.

But what does Tatum do?  He comes in and wins the Celtics team 3 point scoring contest.  Then he shoots 50% from 3 point range on 2.7 3 pt FGA per game in the actual regular season.  And as his confidence continues to grow in his 3 pt shot, I'm sure his attempts from 3 will also increase.

Wow.  Tatum looks like he could be the complete offensive player with both an inside and OUTSIDE game!

Not only that but Tatum has been one of our better defenders.  He has really been a big part of this year's stingy Celtics defense which right now sits amazingly at #2 in the league with only 95 PPG allowed!  You expect the offense yes, but you don't expect the defense from the rookie.

Tatum can do just about everything you ask of him!  Very, very pleased with Tatum.  I'm sure he will have some bumps in the road, and probably hit the rookie wall eventually, but for now the SKY is the LIMIT!!

[MasterEmile]

So is there any part of Tatum's game that is a question mark ? His assists maybe? Other than that he looks like a perfect player with zero weakness.

[gouki88]

So is there any part of Tatum's game that is a question mark ? His assists maybe? Other than that he looks like a perfect player with zero weakness.

I remember reading an article that detailed the major weaknesses of all the top rookies so far, and Tatum's was (paraphrasing) "doesn't take then iso play enough".

Really scraping the bottom of the barrel

[Celtics4ever]

So is there any part of Tatum's game that is a question mark ? His assists maybe? Other than that he looks like a perfect player with zero weakness.

I think he needs to gain some more strength for him to play the four all the time.   His frame is very thin.   It will make him even better.

[Big333223]

From what I recall, the two biggest concerns on Tatum predraft were that he wasn't very good on defense and he wouldn't be able to get the shots he got in college in the NBA because of a lack of athleticism.

So far, he's been a willing and capable defender and his learning curve in terms of what shots he can and can't get has been pretty advanced for a rookie. And I've seen no reason to worry about his athleticism.

This kid hasn't even filled out yet and he's looking awesome.

[Surferdad]

From what I recall, the two biggest concerns on Tatum predraft were that he wasn't very good on defense and he wouldn't be able to get the shots he got in college in the NBA because of a lack of athleticism.

So far, he's been a willing and capable defender and his learning curve in terms of what shots he can and can't get has been pretty advanced for a rookie. And I've seen no reason to worry about his athleticism.

This kid hasn't even filled out yet and he's looking awesome.

Indeed, he has looked HIGHLY athletic.  You see him run the floor both with and without the ball, and he has a variety of post moves that require at least decent athletic ability.

I think he needs to gain some more strength for him to play the four all the time.   His frame is very thin.   It will make him even better.

True, but I wouldn't call it a question mark, simply something that will be fixed in due time.  No reason to believe such a hard working 19-year-old can't put on some muscle.

[Erik]

Fultz per is 5.6
Ball per is 9
Tatum per is 18.5

Once you start seeing 20+ you're looking at all-star level players. Remarkable at his age.

Jordan 25.8 (21)
Bryant 14.4 (18)
Bryant 18.5 (19)
James 18.3 (19)
Giannis 10.8 (19)
Giannis 18.8 (21)
Durant 15.8 (19)
Anthony (17.6) 19

He's trending nicely to become a superstar. He already has that maturity to him that stars have: cool, not rushing and letting the game come to him.
 

[kmart12]

From what I recall, the two biggest concerns on Tatum predraft were that he wasn't very good on defense and he wouldn't be able to get the shots he got in college in the NBA because of a lack of athleticism.

So far, he's been a willing and capable defender and his learning curve in terms of what shots he can and can't get has been pretty advanced for a rookie. And I've seen no reason to worry about his athleticism.

This kid hasn't even filled out yet and he's looking awesome.

I'd say that his athleticism has been the biggest surprise for me; I didn't think he'd be able to get to the rim off the bounce. He looks like a "fine" athlete at bare minimum, and his length has already been put on display as an additional tool for finishing around the hoop. This is one area of concern that I think he's put to rest for me.

I don't know if his handles have ever been in question, but I've enjoyed watching him isolate and use his crossover and hesitation dribble. It's become commonplace for 6'8"-6'9" forwards to have those types of skills, but it's impressive to see from a 19 year old rookie.

[cman88]

He has been very impressive so far. Consider where brown was at this point. He has been able to step into a starting role and provide scoring and defense at a veteran level. this kid is going to be special. I know the mediots are raving about simmons being rookie of the year, but if tatum can be a starting SF on a playoff team averaging 15-16ppg I think he has to be in consideration.

I know this season just started, but its exciting to think of  the jump he can make next year with a year of development, adding Hayward and another year of Jaylen Brown development.

[kozlodoev]

I've just been impressed by his ability to impact the game. Most rookies that come in can do a couple of things at the NBA level and quickly fizzle when forced out of their comfort zone. Tatum is just one of those guys that can play basketball. He's looked like the Mookie Betts of the NBA so far.

[saltlover]

He has been very impressive so far. Consider where brown was at this point. He has been able to step into a starting role and provide scoring and defense at a veteran level. this kid is going to be special. I know the mediots are raving about simmons being rookie of the year, but if tatum can be a starting SF on a playoff team averaging 15-16ppg I think he has to be in consideration.

I know this season just started, but its exciting to think of  the jump he can make next year with a year of development, adding Hayward and another year of Jaylen Brown development.

Simmons is averaging 17.5/9.5/7.5 so far.  He’s living up to his hype.  It’s okay to be excited about how Tatum is doing so far without trashing Simmons.  They’ve both been very good through six games.

[Big333223]

He has been very impressive so far. Consider where brown was at this point. He has been able to step into a starting role and provide scoring and defense at a veteran level. this kid is going to be special. I know the mediots are raving about simmons being rookie of the year, but if tatum can be a starting SF on a playoff team averaging 15-16ppg I think he has to be in consideration.

I know this season just started, but its exciting to think of  the jump he can make next year with a year of development, adding Hayward and another year of Jaylen Brown development.

Simmons is averaging 17.5/9.5/7.5 so far.  He’s living up to his hype.  It’s okay to be excited about how Tatum is doing so far without trashing Simmons.  They’ve both been very good through six games.

Yep, Simmons has been killing it. He looks like a stud as well and should rightfully be the ROY favorite right now.

I wonder, though: At the end of the season if Tatum is averaging something like 15-6 with an eFG% around .550 and the Celtics are fighting for home court in the playoffs while Simmons finishes with averages like 17-9-6 but Philly only wins 30 games... will voters take that into account?

Typically they don't with ROY, but Brogdon bucked that trend last season.

[kozlodoev]

If Tatum is good for 15/6 as a starting F on the Celtics at the end of season, I'd be doing backflips. Couldn't care less about ROY. We don't hang those banners around here.

[smokeablount]

If Tatum is good for 15/6 as a starting F on the Celtics at the end of season, I'd be doing backflips. Couldn't care less about ROY. We don't hang those banners around here.

Agree with this sentiment, although I'll admit I'd get a kick out of seeing him win it, especially since the only guy who's arguably better isn't an actual rookie in my eyes.

Also very self satisfying, after Tatum was my guy post-Fultz trade and going on record here saying he should be in the mix to start right off the bat. 

[Erik]

Simmons is doing well but I don't know how he will continue without any threat from the outside. Remember what defenses started doing with Rondo? It's only a matter of time before teams learn how to guard him.