WALTHAM, Mass. – Jayson Tatum’s versatile skill set and sky-high potential were
major drawing factors as the Boston Celtics narrowed down their top prospects
for the NBA Draft. His character and work ethic are what helped seal their
decision.
The C’s front office fell in love with the 19-year-old forward’s top-notch
on-court abilities coupled with his extraordinary mental makeup. The rare
combination is what led the organization to draft him No. 3 overall in
Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Friday afternoon, less than 12 hours after the conclusion of the Draft, the
Celtics introduced Tatum to the Boston media for the first time. President of
basketball operations Danny Ainge, head coach Brad Stevens, managing partner,
governor and CEO Wyc Grousbeck, and managing partner and alternate governor
Steve Pagliuca all gloated over the Duke product as they sat on either side of
him at a podium inside the Celtics’ training facility.
“We’ve watched Jayson a lot over the last couple of years and we’re very excited
to have him,” Ainge proudly remarked in an opening statement. “He has terrific
upside as a player, great work ethic and his parents have done an amazing job of
raising this young man. I think he’ll be great in our community, in our locker
room, and he’ll also be making some shots, I think. Just a very good player, a
great young man, and we’re very excited to have him here in Boston.”
Tatum also expressed enthusiasm Friday afternoon as he addressed the media and
Celtics Nation for the first time. And he knew all of the right words to say.
“It was a dream come true to be drafted by the best franchise in NBA history,”
was the first statement that came out of Tatum’s mouth.
He later conveyed his eagerness to play in front of what he referred to as “the
best fans in the world,” come October.
First, however, Tatum must learn the ropes of what it takes to be a Celtic on
the court. That process begins late next week when Boston’s Summer League squad
begins to practice.
For Brad Stevens, the coaching process has already begun with his newest pupil.
“I told Jayson this morning that before anybody on our Summer League roster
takes the floor, we’ll talk about who we want to be and how we want to go about
our approach in our business,” said Stevens. “It will be a good three-day mini
camp to get a pulse on how we’ll play. It won’t be exactly like we’ll play come
September (in training camp), but a lot of the lingo, some of the coverages,
some of the offensive structure, those types of things – although quick in three
days – will help kind of create that new foundation so that he can immerse
himself.”
Many players would be overwhelmed by a jam-packed, three-day mini-camp, and
rightfully so – it’s a lot to handle. That being said, the Celtics are
encouraged by Tatum’s work ethic and basketball IQ – two things that should help
him during the process.
Tatum’s intangible qualities have been well documented by his college coach, the
legendary Mike Krzyzewski, as well as by his peers and his observers.
“When I talked to coach (Krzyzewski) he was very complimentary,” said Stevens.
“Everything that he said validated what I’d already heard (about Tatum). Pags (a
Duke alumnus) has been around the Duke program quite a bit, and Danny texted me
throughout the year from Jayson’s games, so we’re really thrilled to have him.
“One of the things he fits with is not only the way we want to play, but also
who we want to be, and I think that’s really important. Here’s a guy that is
very good, but he’s committed to being better, and I think at 19 you better be
that way in this league.”
Commitment will be very important for Tatum over the next few months because the
team that he’s joining is stocked deep with experienced talent. He will have to
fight for minutes, which is unusual for a top-3 draft pick, but he says he
wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I look at it as a great opportunity,” said Tatum. ” a team that was No. 1 in
the East last season and has so many great guys and veterans. As a rookie I can
come in and be ready to work and learn from all the great guys in the locker
room.”
As long as he maintains that mindset, Tatum should fit right in with the rest of
the Celtics once training camp rolls along. In the meantime, the rook has some
work to do to prepare himself for the NBA grind. It all begins later next week
when he joins the Summer League C’s at the opening of mini-camp.
Player: Jayson Tatum
Media Content:
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/summer-062317-joining-celtics-dream-come-
true-tatum
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Brad Stevens, Boston
Celtics
Media Thumbnail:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/celtics/sites/default/files/170623tatum.jpg
Taxonomy: 2017 NBA Draft
Story Link:
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/summer-062317-joining-celtics-dream-come-
true-tatum
