It’s only been four games, but it appears we are witnessing Jayson Tatum take that next step.
The 25-year-old has been dominant, averaging 29.8 points (on 56.3% shooting), 9.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while netting a +76 plus-minus. Tatum has posted 30+ points in three of the first four games despite not playing in the fourth quarter in the last two games.
Yes, it’s only been four games, but Tatum’s growth as a scorer has been evident, as he has been playing aggressively and scoring at all three levels. According to Cleaning The Glass, Tatum is shooting 22-of-27 (81%) at the rim (defined as shots within four feet of the basket), 10-of-21 (48%) from midrange, and 13-of-32 (41%) from three, as he has been displaying the entire package of his game.
The 6-foot-8 Tatum (who looks taller than that) noted on media day that he had put on 12 pounds over the offseason. Tatum looks bigger this season and has put his size to use, attacking mismatches often, and utilizing a post up game he has been working with new assistant coach Sam Cassell.
Through the first four games, Tatum has scored 19 points in the post on 7-of-11 (63.6%) shooting, scoring at a 71.4% frequency and getting to the line at a league-best 35.7% on post-ups. Tatum has posted up 14.4% of the time, which, though a small sample size, is a significant jump from his 5.1% a season ago.
“He has everything. He’s just a complete player,” Jrue Holiday said following Tatum’s 30 point-12 rebound double-double in Wednesday night’s rout of the Pacers. “I think that there were times where there was this misconception about going against him on defense, but I think we’ve seen that he plays defense. He can lock up. He’s athletic, he has length.”
Tatum has posted a defensive rating of 104.8 this season, third-best on the team, and the Celtics are outscoring opponents by 76 points with Tatum on the floor.
Though a small sample size, the play early on has been impressive, as this is the best Tatum has looked in his seven years in the NBA.
“Just slowing down. Taking what the defense gives him,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said when asked what he has seen from Tatum’s growth as a scorer. “Whether it’s a layup, whether it’s a paint shot, or whether it’s a catch and shoot three. He’s getting to his spot faster, he’s getting to his move faster, and when he sees the defense, he’s slowing down and making the right read.”
Again, it’s only been four games, but Tatum has finished top six in MVP voting in each of the last two seasons and is on pace for his best season yet. Slow starts have often hurt his case, which so far hasn’t been a problem.
If he continues to play like this and his team continues to dominate, those who bet Tatum at +800 could be earning themselves a nice chunk of change.
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