Boston Celtics: There is so much to love about Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics No. 1 draft pick Jayson Tatum is not only a pure scorer, he is also a leader and a player who can help his new team immediately.

Did the Boston Celtics make the right selection when they drafted Duke forward Jayson Tatum with the No. 3 pick overall in the 2017 NBA Draft? It all depends on who you ask. The talent is certainly there, but when it comes to character, the 6-foot-8 forward definitely stands above.

That character was put on display during the beginning of his freshman season at Duke. Already totted as a top talent, Tatum sprained his left foot causing him to miss the first eight games of the season. The injury dampened the enthusiasm he had going into the season.

"“I started to lose faith,” Tatum said during his introductory media session Friday, via the Providence Journal. “I got upset. I thought I was falling behind. Other guys were playing so well and I was just so excited to go out there and show everybody what I could do. It was tough at first.”"

Tatum didn’t lose faith. He battled back from the injury to average 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The way he was able to overcome adversity is a symbol of a player willing to do whatever it takes to produce on the basketball court.

In joining a Boston Celtics team that went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, Tatum’s dedication to the game is a true asset, even from a rookie.

Although he will always be linked to Markelle Fultz, who was selected with the No. 1 pick the Celtics traded, Tatum will be out to prove the Celtics made no mistake in selecting him as their top pick.

Brad Stevens take on Tatum

With all the trade rumors that dominated social media and radio talk shows prior to the draft, Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is thrilled that the team made the selection.

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While the 19-year-old forward will take some time to develop in the NBA, Stevens had nothing but praise for his newest player.

"“I think it’s been well-documented what kind of a person Jayson is,” Stevens said, via the Boston Globe. “When I talked to coach [Mike Krzyzewski], he was obviously very complimentary. He’s had so many guys through [Duke] that he has a great feel for how impactful people can be and how willing they are to work to be better. We’re really thrilled to have him. He not only fits with the way we want to play but who we want to be.”"

In evaluating the talent in this year’s draft, it sounds like the Boston Celtics were looking for leaders off the court as well as on the court. Jayson Tatum certainly fits the mold and if he could be anywhere near the player Paul Pierce was or Paul George is on the court, then trading the No. 1 pick overall was the right move.

The Celtics may get another top choice out of it as well.

Next: Boston Celtics player report card 2016-17: Al Horford

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