Boston Celtics: Early bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

3. Jayson Tatum leads the team in scoring

Within a lineup that consists of Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford and Jaylen Brown, it’s not going to easy for Jayson Tatum to put up gaudy numbers during his sophomore season. However, that’s exactly what I’m predicting he’ll do.

We saw that killer instinct during the playoffs. After averaging only 13.9 points per game during the regular season, the 2017 third overall pick exploded during the postseason. Fueled by a deadly display against the Philadelphia 76ers, Tatum averaged 18.5 points per game through three playoffs series.

I think he’s ready to take it a step further. Maybe not at this exact moment, but working with Kobe Bryant will certainly help accelerate the process.

Even with the scoring spread out among so many dangerous offensive threats, Tatum will find a way to emerge from the pack. By the time his sophomore season has come to a close, the Duke product will officially be the go-to threat for the Celtics. An average of more than 25 points per game should solidify that status.

Don’t worry, though, because Irving, Hayward and everyone else will get their opportunities to score as well. However, with the progress Tatum puts on display in the coming months, the Celtics will have no choice but to put the ball in his hands as early and often as possible throughout the 2018-19 campaign.

You heard it here, although probably not for the first time: Tatum will earn “superstar” status this season.