2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 6 power rankings

Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last week: No. 5 (↑2)

The margin of error for Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is rather large considering he’s got Kyrie Irving running the offense. Tatum is beginning to come into his own, particularly on the fast break at the ripe young age of 19 years old.

Tatum is averaging 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game through 20 games for Boston. He’s started in all 20 games for the 17-3 Celtics as well. He’s stepped up nicely since the loss of Gordon Hayward.

Tatum is shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from 3-point range in 2017-18. He boasts some impressive numbers in the offensive and defensive rating category as well.

On offense, he registers 102.0 offensive rating. On defense, he has a 95.9 defensive rating with a net rating of +6.1. Factor in playing time and Tatum boasts one of the best plus/minus ratings among rookies next to Golden State’s Jordan Bell.