Boston Celtics draft prospects: Making a case for Jayson Tatum at No. 1
With the No. 1 pick overall in the 2017 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics are expected to take Markelle Fultz, but what about small forward Jayson Tatum?
On paper, it would appear that the Boston Celtics are in need of front court help. But, when it comes to the logic of taking the best player available, Washington guard Markelle Fultz is the odds-on favorite to go No. 1.
But what about Duke small forward Jayson Tatum?
If Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge were to swap the No. 1 pick for the No. 3 or even No. 4 pick, the 6-foot-8 NBA prospect would be a great selection. Taking him with the No. 1 pick overall, despite his talent, may have some scratching their heads.
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As a player with a tremendous upside, Tatum was ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the class of 2016 behind Harry Giles and Josh Jackson. He averaged 16.8 points on 45.2 percent shooting in his freshman season at Duke. His 7.3 rebounds a game is a stat that could be attractive for the Celtics.
Overall, Tatum is described by DraftExpress as a unique player with a high-quality range of offensive skills:
"“Jayson Tatum remains one of the more unique players in this draft, with an advanced array of offensive moves, high skill level, and a physical profile that affords him considerable potential, and versatility, on the defensive end as well. While this keeps Tatum’s floor relatively high, there’s still some question about exactly what his role will be at the next level.”"
Related Story: Boston Celtics draft prospects: Markelle Fultz wants to be the No. 1 pick
That uncertainly is what may shy the Celtics away from selecting him at No. 1. The offense and defense he could provide is attractive, but he is an unfinished product who could take a couple of years to develop.
Depending on what the Celtics do in free agency and via trade, Ainge may want to select a player who is as NBA ready as possible with the coveted No. 1 selection. More than likely, that means Markelle Fultz.
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However, when it comes to size and needs in the front court, Tatum is an option worth taking a risk on…but not at No. 1.