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Brad Stevens: Boston Celtics coach ‘impressed’ with Jayson Tatum’s defense

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens says he is “impressed” with the defensive ability of rookie forward Jayson Tatum.

Offensively, Boston Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum will bring a versatile array of shots.  Defensively, he may be just as versatile.

That is the aspect of Tatum’s game that has most impressed Celtics head coach Brad Stevens.

In an appearance on Chris Mannix’s podcast on Monday, Stevens talked about the 6-foot-8 forward and what he will bring to the Celtics offensively and defensively this season.  Along with his impressive scoring ability, Stevens admitted he was most surprised by what he brings on the defensive end.

"“I was really impressed with – and almost pleasantly surprised by – his defensive ability,” Stevens said, as transcribed by Masslive.com.  “I thought he did a good job of keeping guys in front.  I thought he did a good job of using his length and guarding a number of different positions. …Offensive stuff is going to come easy for him.  Maybe not easy, but he has a natural scoring ability.  (In Summer League) I wanted to see how he would pick up what we are trying to do defensively – how his length would impact others, how he would pick up the off-the-ball schemes – and I thought he did a pretty good job.”"

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With an offensive game compared to the likes of Paul Pierce and Paul George, the 19-year-old rookie appears more polished than most rookies.  Although we only have Summer League to judge by, the way he scored drew much excitement from Celtics fans and those who follow the team.

Physical attributes

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If he gets stronger and more physical on defense, he would be the kind of complete player the Atlantic Division champions are looking for.  Tatum has already committed himself to working on his physicality and Stevens noted that need for improvement in assessing the adjustments he may be asked to make defensively over time.

"“There’s going to be sometimes when you are going to have to guard someone stronger than you, and you’re going to have to figure it out,” Stevens added."

With his length, Jayson Tatum will draw some tough defensive assignments.  Along with his footwork, he could in fact become an important contributor this season.  Of course, there is no pressure considering the amount of depth the team has at the swing forward position.

Considering that depth, Tatum can really earn some playing time if he does get stronger physically and gives Stevens the option of playing him at the four.

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All in all, the mismatch he would present offensively for the opposing team should offset any disadvantage he would have physically on defense.

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