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Boston Celtics: Scottie Pippen’s hype of Jayson Tatum spot on

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to taking on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 25, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up prior to taking on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 25, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Prior to the NBA going on hiatus, Boston Celtics young star Jayson Tatum was on the verge of something special, which has one NBA legend hyping him up.

Do the Boston Celtics have what it takes to overtake Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference one the NBA resumes in Orlando?

If you believe in the superstardom of 21-year-old Jayson Tatum, the answer is absolutely.  Especially, if he continues to play the way he was through a stretch of games in February when he seemed unstoppable against teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Prior to COVID-19 taking over the world and delaying all sports, Tatum was on the verge of something special.  Could he have led the Celtics to the promise land known as the NBA Finals if the season continued as normal?

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With a supporting cast of a healthy Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown, the scoring talent is there.  And as NBA legend Scottie Pippen points out on ESPN’s “The Jump” on Monday, Jayson Tatum has shown he has what it takes to lead the Boston Celtics to a championship once play resumes in late July.

"“I think this has been a breakout season for Tatum,” Pippen said, as transcribed by NESN.  “He started this season sort of on a mission to separate himself from the other players that have grown and developed as well as really showing some leadership, I think, by becoming an All-Star this season.  But his scoring was really starting to peak right there (before the league suspended play over COVID-19).  He, again, separated himself a little bit from the other players to show that he was going to be the go-to guy, the offensive leader for that team.  And I think if this team is to make a run, it has to rely on Tatum’s ability to carry them offensively.  And I feel like he’s totally ready.”"

In averaging 23.6 points and 7.1 rebounds this season, Jayson Tatum has absolutely made a believer out of more stars other than Scottie Pippen.  Not only did he earn the label of a “absolute problem” by LeBron James after his 41-point performance against the Lakers, Kawhi Leonard also offered high praise after Tatum’s epic performance against the Clippers prior to the All-Star break.

When the best players in the world (past and current) are praising you, you know the hype is real.

So, while it is hard to disagree with Scottie Pippen on why Jayson Tatum can lead the Boston Celtics to a championship, there is another reason the Duke product has the capability of being the best player on a title team.  And this is a reason Pippen can appreciate.

Not only can Tatum take over a game offensively, he has the ability to influence the game defensively as well.  With his rebounding and shot blocking ability, the young Celtics star is on the verge of being a great two-way player which in my opinion puts him ahead of both Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson as players who will lead the next generation of NBA superstars.

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Of course, there is a current superstar Jayson Tatum will need to lead his team past and that is Giannis Antetokounmpo.  If he can offset the Greek Freak and his impact on the game, the Boston Celtics absolutely have a chance of overtaking the Bucks.

From there, anything is possible as Tatum has shown his ability to step on the big stage and shine under the same spotlight as both King James and Kawhi Leonard.

Scottie Pippen, you are spot on.

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