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Boston Celtics: 5 takeaways from 2017 NBA Summer League

By Josh Cornelissen

WALTHAM, MA - JUNE 30: Jayson Tatum, left, and Jaylen Brown chat during a drill during the Boston Celtics' summer league at the Celtics practice facility in Waltham, MA on Jun. 30, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
WALTHAM, MA - JUNE 30: Jayson Tatum, left, and Jaylen Brown chat during a drill during the Boston Celtics' summer league at the Celtics practice facility in Waltham, MA on Jun. 30, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers guards Jayson Tatum #11 of the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boston won 86-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers guards Jayson Tatum #11 of the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boston won 86-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

1. Jayson Tatum was the right pick

If Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford are the present, and Gordon Hayward is the bridge to the future, Jayson Tatum has shown that he is ready to be the future for this team when his time comes. While Lonzo Ball eventually stole the spotlight in Las Vegas, for six games in both Utah and Vegas, Tatum was the talk of the league.

Selected third overall from Duke, Tatum was often compared during the draft process to Carmelo Anthony — and rarely as a compliment. As the league moves towards efficiency and ball movement, Anthony has become something of a pariah for his tough shot selection.

But anyone watching Tatum in Summer League had to be impressed by his shot-making. Tatum played with fluid control over his body and advanced footwork few current players, let alone rookies, possess. He created separation no matter how he was being guarded, knocking down shots he had no business making.

Tatum also joined teammates Jaylen Brown on the glass, averaging nine rebounds per game. Many draft pundits criticized Tatum for only rebounding when the ball came to him, but especially in Utah the forward was attacking missed shots to scoop up the rebound.

Josh Jackson may have the defensive pedigree, but the former Kansas star didn’t show this same level of offensive creativity in Vegas. Regardless of meetings being canceled during the pre-draft process, Tatum was the right pick for a Boston team that specifically needed a player like him to raise its offensive ceiling.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: 5 takeaways from NBA Summer League

The Celtics struggled when Isaiah Thomas left the floor to generate offense, but in Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum, Boston has added two talented shot creators. While Tatum’s end point is ultimately yet to be determined, he possesses advanced offensive skills from the jump that will help him make an impact on the league.

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