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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum adds muscle and a whole lot of swag

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

CANTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 looks on during Boston Celtics Media Day on September 24, 2018 in Canton, 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)
CANTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 looks on during Boston Celtics Media Day on September 24, 2018 in Canton, 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) /
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Entering his second NBA season, Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum has added some muscle to improve his game and a whole lot of swagger. 

The last time we saw Jayson Tatum, he was dunking in the face of LeBron James in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

The home team lost the game and series, but Celtics fans left that game feeling something good about the future of Tatum.  Not only was he a consistent scorer during that playoff run, he showed that he isn’t afraid of the big moment or has any fear going against some of the NBA’s best players.

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But, if there was any weakness to Tatum in his rookie season, it was his slender frame.  Entering the league at 19, the NBA Rookie of the Year finalist was 205 pounds.  With his talent and poise on both sides of the court, one could only wonder how much more effective he will be once his body fills out.

Well, we’ll get to see a little bit of that this upcoming season because Jayson Tatum has added some series muscle, which is something he worked on in the offseason.

"“I was 19 when I came in last year,” Tatum said following practice, as transcribed by Celtics.com.  “I had never been the biggest guy, so I knew it was going to be an adjustment.  And it was.”"

The added muscle will enable Tatum to play more of a physical game defensively and post up smaller defenders on the offensive end.  That not only helps him as a player but gives Celtics head coach Brad Stevens more options on the court.  Tatum’s ability to play the 4 or even 5 at times will enable the team to keep its best scores on the floor during critical times without losing too much defensively.

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With hopes of taking that next step in his sophomore season, Jayson Tatum has also worked out with past NBA stars like Penny Hardaway and Kobe Bryant.  Along with that added strength, working out with professionals have given Tatum the good kind of swagger. The kind that shows a player is confident in his game and in what he can do on the court.

Boston Celtics teammate Terry Rozier has noticed the swag Tatum is entering the 2018-19 season with.  That only leads to more excitement about his future…right now.

"“Oh, he’s supper different,” Rozier said.  “Last year he got some go, but you couldn’t really see it all the way because of his nervousness kicking in.  But he’s calmed down, and now, he’s come back this summer, he’s got that ‘I’m the man’ look, and he’s been killing it.  He’s been looking good, real good.”"

A successful rookie season would do that to a player.  Going head-to-head with a player like LeBron James on the big stage also has something to do with Jayson Tatum’s newfound swag.  Hopefully for the Boston Celtics it doesn’t turn into the bad kind of swagger.

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On a team lead by a coach like Brad Stevens, that doesn’t seem to be a concern.

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