Boston Celtics: Paul Pierce believes Jayson Tatum will be a Celtics legend

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high fives fans after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 in Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high fives fans after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 in Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics rookie forward Jayson Tatum is having a great start to his career and even though it’s early, one Celtic legend already believes that Tatum will be among the greatest to ever play for the historic franchise.

The Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations this season and one player has proven the doubters that he is a great player.

Jayson Tatum was thought to be too unathletic and it was believed that his potential wasn’t great. Well, those people look really stupid now.

Tatum had a phenomenal rookie season and is up for the Rookie of the Year Award. He averaged 13.9 points and 5 rebounds a game. Before the season it was believed that Tatum would be coming off the bench but after the Gordon Hayward injury Tatum was thrust into the starting lineup and he did not disappoint.

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A legend in the making

Now it may be early, but Paul Pierce believes there is something special about Tatum.

"“I think he’s going to be one of the great players in Celtic history.“He’s mature beyond his years. He doesn’t look rattled by the moment. Sometimes you see rookies have problems when they get to this point. I saw Ben Simmons against the Celtics, and it looked like moment was too big for him. He was wide-eyed out there. He looked confused. I don’t see that in Jayson Tatum.And if he didn’t have a team full of guys who are really good players and with two All-Stars, he could easily have won Rookie of the Year. I think he’s just starting to see his potential. He’s just 20 years old and he has a long way to go, but he’s just scratching the surface of how great he can really be.”"

Now if anybody has the right to say this it is Pierce, but let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. Tatum is a phenomenal player. He has already shown in his young career that he is capable of making big shots and great with the ball in his hands. Tatum is also one of the best shooters in the league.

Still, it’s a little too early to say this about Tatum. Tatum’s role will be reduced next season and he will most likely be coming off the bench. Once Kyrie Irving and Hayward come back, Tatum will be taking the back seat.

Next: Marcus Smart is looking to get paid

Jayson Tatum is one of the best players currently playing for the Celtics, but let him improve his resume before we call him a Garden legend.