The Boston Celtics would’ve picked Jayson Tatum even if they would’ve kept their No. 1 pick. That means Danny Ainge sees a lot of potential in him.
The Boston Celtics selected wingman Jayson Tatum with their No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft Thursday evening.
Tatum is a 6’8″ freshman with a 6’11” wingspan. His crafty foot work should allow him to get a shot off, even against the elite wing defenders in the NBA.
Of course, Boston traded away its No.1 pick to the Philadelphia 76ers just days before the NBA Draft, receiving Philly’s No. 3 pick and a protected 2018 first round pick from the Celtics via the Los Angeles Lakers (or a 2019 first-rounder via the Sacramento Kings if it doesn’t convey).
The trade was made because Boston would’ve selected Tatum with the first pick anyway. By trading the No. 1 overall pick to Philly, the Celtics received an extra future first round draft pick, as Ainge explains further via CSN New England.
"“Yes, we would have picked him with the first pick. But the draft was very even, we felt, at the top all the way through maybe five or six. And it was very difficult. There was a lot of players we liked in this draft.”"
When Tatum adjusts to the speed and athleticism of the NBA, he should become a great young player for the Celtics as they continue to fight for dominance in the east. Without further ado, here are the five biggest reasons why Tatum’s skills will improve the Boston Celtics.