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Boston Celtics: 5 potential No. 1 picks in the NBA Draft

By Riley Culler

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a three pointer during the first half against the Troy Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a three pointer during the first half against the Troy Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum is a big time scorer. Tatum is a great athlete who is an excellent wing defender due to his lengthy arms. A polished offensive player, Tatum can shoot the ball and blow by you to the rim. He is listed as a SF, but some think he can play or will eventually become a PF.

Tatum is an amazing player, but his agility and athleticism are average, and he can be a ball hog at times. If Tatum can improve his three-point shooting he could be the best player in the draft, his mid-range shooting is already excellent.

Here’s what ESPN Senior Writer Chad Ford had to say about Tatum.

"“Tatum is, perhaps, the most NBA-ready freshman in the draft. He has a pro game and might be the best pure wing scorer.”"

Short and sweet, but it’s all you need to know. Chad Ford is the NBA mock draft guru, so Tatum receiving such high praise from Ford is a great sign.

College Statistics

16.8 PPG 7.3 RPG 2.1 APG 1.1 BPG 1.3 SPG : FG% (.452) 3P% (.342) FT% (.849)

Strengths & Weaknesses

S: Good wing defender. Excellent size and length. Big time scorer. Excellent mid-range shot

W: Ball hog. Not as athletic as most top 10 picks. Needs to improve his 3PT shooting

Potential Roster Fit

If Tatum joined Boston, he would most likely switch or transition to PF. The Celtics already have an exceptional SF in Jae Crowder and used last years No. 3 draft pick on a SF. Tatum moving to PF would help Horford at C, and could help the Boston Celtics horrible rebounding.

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