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Boston Celtics: NBA scouts weigh in on Jayson Tatum

By Tevin Williams

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 09: Jayson Tatum #11 of the Boston Celtics stands on the court during a 2017 Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boston won 70-64. 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 09: Jayson Tatum #11 of the Boston Celtics stands on the court during a 2017 Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boston won 70-64. 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) /
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Various NBA scouts from around the league share their opinions on the No. 3 overall pick Jayson Tatum.

The guys over at Bleacher Report reached out to NBA scouts for their two cents on rookie Jayson Tatum. The Duke product was drafted No. 3 overall by the Boston Celtics.

Danny Ainge has set the precedent on how to rebuild a team. Boston finished first in the Eastern Conference last year, and was awarded the No 1. overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Ainge traded the No. 1 pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 3 pick and a future first-rounder.

The Celtics got their guy in Tatum along with another future asset, and Philly drafted the presumable point guard of the future in Markelle Fultz. Everyone went home happy.

Tatum averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in his freshman season at Duke. Tatum has displayed the footwork and post game of an established, polished NBA star.

Sure, he can make difficult shots, but the fact that he attempts so many has scouts questioning his potential in the NBA. Jab steps and post fadeaways have been replaced by volume three-point shooting and dunks. The question is, can Tatum’s old-school style of play keep pace with the new movement?

Let’s see what the scouts think.

On Tatum’s upside

One scout told Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman that Tatum’s versatility would serve him well in the NBA.

"“Very versatile and skilled. Played some point guard in high school. He’ll be great in the new NBA that rewards guys who can shoot, pass and dribble.”"

Despite Tatum’s old-school approach to scoring the basketball, his versatility is very much hip to modern trends. Tatum can play either forward position, step out and cover guards on the perimeter and score points off of the pick-and-roll.

In a league where positions have such little importance, Tatum’s ability do a bit of everything will get him minutes on the court. As Celtics’ head coach Brad Stevens said, he now has three positions instead of five, per Kareem Copeland of the Associated Press.

"“I don’t have the five positions anymore,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “It may be as simple as three positions now, where you’re either a ball-handler, a wing or a big."

Comparing Jayson Tatum to NBA players

We’ve heard Jayson Tatum’s name compared to a lot of different NBA talents. From Carmelo Anthony to Danny Granger to Dirk Nowitzki. One scout provided a comparison that hit home for Boston fans, per Jonathan Wasserman.

"“A taller Paul Pierce.”"

Of course, it’s way too early for any legit Paul Pierce-Tatum comparisons, but they have similar games. Like Pierce, Tatum is a great midrange scorer and he has the ability to create a shot from nothing. When the shot clock was winding down during a terrible offensive possession, Pierce was the go-to guy to save the day. Jayson Tatum appears to have a similar ability.

On what to expect to during Jayson Tatum’s rookie season

The Celtics are arguable the deepest team in the Eastern Conference, so Tatum may not see the playing time that Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball will. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing, since Tatum will have more time to hone his skills and develop his 19-year-old body before he’s called upon for a starting role. A scout echoed a similar sentiment, per Jonathan Wasserman.

"“I think landing in Boston helps. There is less pressure on him and more weapons around him. It’s a good way of being eased into it and learning.”"

All NBA players want to play big minutes, but that play time on the court doesn’t come free. Playing on such a deep team will force Tatum to further develop his game until Stevens is forced to play him more minutes.

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