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Boston Celtics: 5 reasons Jayson Tatum was a good pick

By Tevin Williams

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jayson Tatum (Duke) is interviewed after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jayson Tatum (Duke) is interviewed after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Great rebounder

In his freshman season at Duke University, Jayson Tatum averaged 7.3 rebounds per game. This is a positive sign. At only 19 years of age, his body hasn’t quite filled out yet. Standing at 6’8″, he only weighs 204 pounds. As he puts on more weight, he should be able to continue grabbing boards at a proficient rate at the next level.

The Celtics were the fourth-worst rebounding team in the NBA last season. Al Horford, an undersized center, leads the team with just 6.8 rebounds per game. Without an elite rebounder, Boston is forced to take a rebound-by-committee approach.

Nothing is more deflating to a team than an offensive rebound after a solid defensive possession forcing an opponent into attempting a difficult shot.

Boston was dead last in defensive rebounding percentage last postseason. Tatum’s contributions on the boards will lead to less second chance points for opponents and more fast break opportunities for Boston.

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