Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Why Jayson Tatum should be NBA Rookie of the Year

By Sam Minton

BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a basket in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a basket in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It was announced on Wednesday that Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is one of the finalist for the Rookie of the Year Award.

Jayson Tatum crushed his first season in the NBA, and he is now one of the main reasons that the Boston Celtics have a chance to make it to the NBA finals. Tatum is getting the credit he deserves by being named one of the finalists for the league’s Rookie of the Year Award.

Tatum had a great rookie season. After being thrust into the starting lineup after Gordon Hayward’s horrific injury, Tatum showed that Danny Ainge made the right move.

Tatum averaged 19.9 points and 5 rebounds a game in the regular season. Tatum was a great 3 point shooter this season. He was one of the best in the league landing in the top 10 with a 3P% of 43.4. Among rookies, Tatum is one of the best scorer and rebounders in the league.

More from Chowder and Champions

Tatum means a lot to the Celtics

Even in the postseason, Tatum has continued to dominate, but sadly the Rookie of the Year is solely based on the regular season. I think that Tatum should win the award because he was forced to play starter minutes, and excelled. No one expected Tatum to be cracking the starting lineup, but when Hayward got hurt all plans were thrown out the window. The Celtics may not even be in the Eastern Conference Finals if it wasn’t for Tatum.

Sadly for our sweet rookie, I don’t think everyone else around the league will take into account the scenario Tatum was dealt.

Donovan Mitchell had a great season out in Utah and is favored to win the award. Mitchell is deserving off the honors, unlike the other candidate Tatum is going up against (cause he’s not really a rookie, looking at you Ben Simmons).

Next: Marcus Smart goes after J.R. Smith

Jayson Tatum played a big role in the Boston Celtics success this season, and for that he is well deserving of being the league’s Rookie of the Year.

Home/Boston Celtics