1. Tatum becomes an All-Star
Entering his third year in the league, Jayson Tatum should be aiming for an All-Star selection this year. Having been a key component in the last two playoff runs by the Boston Celtics, Tatum has developed a reputation of an elite scorer in the making — he just needs to improve his shot selection.
Synergy has Tatum attempting 116 jump shots at less than 17 feet from the basket. He only made 42 of them, a below-average 36.2 percent. He also shot 146 jump shots between 17 feet and the 3-point line, scoring 50 of these for an average percentage of 34.2 percent.
Not great percentages from mid-range. However, his 3-point shooting is excellent, bordering on elite. He took 250 3s last year, hitting 98 of them which equals an excellent 39.2 percent, placing him in the 86th percentile among qualifying wings.
At 6’8″ and 205 pounds, Tatum is a big athletic guy capable of driving the lane and drawing contact. There is no need for him to be settling for the statistically inferior mid-range jump shots.
Based on his performances for Team USA and the Celtics during preseason, it seems safe to assume the penny has finally dropped.
During preseason Tatum took a total of five mid-range shots, instead opting to shoot the 3 or drive the lane. He looked a different player because of this, one who could get to the line and cause havoc in transition.
If he continues this style of play during the regular season, then he will become a nightmare match up for any team. A few extra rebounds per game with a more efficient shot selection should be all that is needed for Tatum to finally ascend to All-Star status.
This season projects to be his year.