Boston Celtics: 3 challenges facing Jayson Tatum in 2020-21 NBA season

Jayson Tatum needs to continue growth in leadership skills

On a team with Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and now Tristian Thompson and Jeff Teague, there is plenty of leadership, but the level of leadership a young emerging superstar like Jayson Tatum can provide can go a long way.

Describing himself as a “lead by example guy,” Tatum has to do just that this upcoming season, especially without Walker the first few months of the season.

Yes, he is young, but the growth the Boston Celtics young star has shown on the court in just a few seasons can help other young players on the team like Grant Williams and Aaron Nesmith recognize that learning on the basketball court is a continuous process where hard work and dedication to the team is a valuable asset.

The thing about Tatum is he has learned from players like the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.  He has also in a way learned what leadership is not just by playing alongside a player like Kyrie Irving.

That is no rip on Kyrie but putting up a lot of points does not make a leader.  Simply doing the things necessary to help his team win is how a young player like Jayson Tatum will lead.  Although he can be vocal when he needs to be, his body language, confidence and belief in the players around him is the leadership style he can provide…for now.

A leader also recognizes what he needs to do to get better.

"“I’m still extremely young, so I think every part of my game can get better,” Tatum said, via Celtics.com.  “Continue to get stronger, extending my range, being able to efficiently shoot deeper either off the dribble or off the catch.  Finishing better through contact and becoming even more of a defensive presence.”"

If Tatum does improve on those things, while continuing to grow as a leader, the Boston Celtics will be in a good position to battle with the top teams in the NBA.