NBA: Players with the most to prove on each team for 2019-20

Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum may have been drafted No. 3 overall in 2017, but it was his electric performances throughout the 2018 playoffs that had people pegging him as a future megastar. There were talks of scoring titles and MVPs.

Having proved a certain level of talent in high-leverage situations, he was bound for a breakout campaign as a sophomore.

In almost the same amount of playing time, Tatum’s points, rebounds and assists all saw an increase, but he fell well short of the giant leap many were expecting.

This was due in part to a decreased 3-point percentage as well as a lack of free-throw attempts, but Tatum’s struggles had more to do with his surroundings than anything else.

The Boston Celtics experienced chemistry problems through all of last season. Pegged by many to represent the east before the season, there were too many mouths for Brad Stevens to feed and sacrifices had to be made by everyone, including Tatum.

For all the chaos suffered throughout last season, things are now different in Boston.

There are shots to go around and a more established hierarchy, the results of which have Tatum in a predominant position that sets him up for a level of production so many were looking forward to last year.

Kemba Walker is a close approximation to Kyrie Irving but with far less baggage. Having spent the entirety of his career on a middling — at best — Charlotte Hornets squad, the three-time All-Star will have no issues deferring to the face of the franchise.

Whereas Tatum may have been set up for failure last year, everything is in place for him to succeed including a better-suited supporting cast along with one of the game’s best coaches.

The excuses are gone, replaced with a heightened expectation to produce at the level his star-level potential warrants.