Jayson Tatum is the best player from the 2017 NBA draft

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Ben Simmons
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Ben Simmons /
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Jayson Tatum wasn’t expecting a heavy workload when he was drafted #3 overall this past June by the Boston Celtics, but the rookie has more than surpassed any expectations.

I didn’t think I’d be writing this about the Boston Celtics No. 3 overall selection in the 2017 NBA draft . Let’s be real, we all expected Markelle Fultz to be out on the court roasting everyone right now.  Sports are a funny thing though, because nothing ever really goes as planned.

When Gordon Hayward went down, all eyes turned to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.  They needed to really step up in the absence of the All Star, and wow have they delivered.  Brown is in his second year and has made it no secret that he’s been working for a bigger role all summer.  However, Jayson Tatum wasn’t really supposed to be in this position.  He’s quickly embraced the role though.

I never really noticed how big of a wingspan Tatum has, but the dude is out there blocking everything on a nightly basis. I know, I know, I really shouldn’t get too excited about a guy only a few games into the season.  It’s easy to see Tatum’s confidence has grown each game and it’s been so much fun to watch him develop.

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I’m not saying there won’t be growing pains with Tatum.  He’s a rookie, it’s expected.  Also, since we are less than ten games into this season, it remains to be seen if Jayson Tatum really will be the best player out of this draft.

He’s the most NBA ready.

I watched his Duke highlights, I watched summer league.  It was easy to get excited about him in Vegas because he was just so good.  But guys…Danny Ainge may have done it again.  I haven’t seen a rookie so NBA ready so quickly.  His high basketball IQ has made this transition so much easier.

With Tatum there was a narrative that he was only good on one side of the ball, and most NBA rookies are like that.  They’re 19 (usually), and have a lot to work on.  But he’s picked up defensive schemes so fast and has figured out his length really bothers people.

Next: The 5 faces of the Boston Celtics: The coach, the stars and the future

Be excited guys, in a season that started off in the worst way possible, the Boston Celtics have a lot to look forward to.