Boston Celtics: Brad Stevens believes Jayson Tatum is just getting started

Boston Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum had a great rookie season, but head coach Brad Stevens believes he can play better.

The Boston Celtics were bolstered by great play from rookie Jayson Tatum. With Gordon Hayward out for the season, Tatum stepped up in a big way. He played like a veteran and not a 19-year-old rookie.

Tatum averaged 13.9 points and 5 rebounds in the regular season. He was an efficient shooter, with a solid 47.5 field goal percentage. Tatum shot well from behind the three-point line and was actually one of the best 3 point shooters in the league.

With all this success you would think that it couldn’t get any better, but Brad Stevens believes that Tatum is just getting started.

"“I think he can get a lot better. He did some incredible things. No. 1 is his durability. He played 99 games. My only concern going into the playoffs was his minutes. We were very alert to that, especially because he dipped a little in January, and really took to heart how important nutrition, the weight room, and the training room are. I think if you talk to anyone down there, he took it to a different level in those areas and just continued to rise as the season went on and played great all season. But he can get better. He’s got a chance to be an even better defender. We think he can be an even better cutter, be better in transition or in traffic on drives. He has a chance to be as good as he wants to be. I guess the biggest compliment I can give him is he can get a lot better, because he’s already really good.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

A great compliment

Well if Tatum can get a lot better he may become one of the best players in the league. He was one of the best rookies in the league this year. With a few years under Stevens, Tatum could become a more complete player.

Just imagine if Tatum improved off the ball, and became a better defender. He would basically be unstoppable.

This is why the Celtics shouldn’t trade Tatum. His ceiling is astronomical. He really has a chance to become one of the best players in the NBA. If you trade him you get rid of basically your entire future.

The future is bright in Boston and getting rid of Jayson Tatum would be a metaphorical black cloud over the organization.

Next: Boston Celtics: 3 good reasons Kawhi Leonard is not a fit

Brad Stevens comments should make Boston Celtics fans salivate. Hopefully another banner will be hanging up in the TD Garden rafters at the end of next season.