Jayson Tatum: What The Celtics Are Getting With The No. 3 Pick

Tatum averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Blue Devils in 2016-17, ranking second on the team and among ACC freshmen in both categories. The Sixers are expected to take Washington’s Markelle Fultz with the first pick. “I was all for it”. “It caused me to miss the first eight games and it was the toughest thing I ever had to deal with because I had never been injured and never had to miss games in my career”.

The latest of Duke’s one-and-done players, Tatum is projected to be selected among the draft’s first five picks with Boston at No. 3 the most popular choice among prognosticators.

But, as we’ve learned down on Route 1 in Foxboro, draft parties are overrated. Most likely to drop:I’ll say Justin Jackson.

– Jimmy Butler. He’s a very good player – a star, but not a superstar.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he ultimately felt comfortable trading the top pick to the 76ers because he thought the player he planned to take at No. 1 would still be around at No. 3. He walked across the stage Thursday night at Barclays Center wearing red sneakers made of basketballs.

Boston could potentially have Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown and potentially Gordon Hayward (if he leaves Utah), along with Jayson Tatum, all at the small forward position. Other guys were playing so well and I was just so excited to go out there and show everybody what I could do. “Wherever I end up Thursday, I’ll be happy”.

“We had some indication that they were a strong consideration”, she said.

“I don’t think anybody is surprised anymore”, he said. “And that’s what we talked about: If you can defend the 1 through the 4, you can knock down open shots and if you can score, that’s a bonus”.

Tatum also expressed enthusiasm Friday afternoon as he addressed the media and Celtics Nation for the first time.

“(Tatum) fits with the way we want to play but also with who we want to be”.

“My favorite player right now would be Paul George“, Tatum said.

Josh Jackson’s personality and blue-collar style of play would make him a huge hit in NY, where he would make a nice side income with endorsement opportunities, but he would play for the winning side more often if he played for the Celtics.

· The Celtics went to the Eastern Conference Finals previous year. “I’m a tough critic so I think I have a lot of stuff to get better at and improve on. I can’t wait to go and learn from coach (Brad) Stevens and Isaiah Thomas and just everybody on that roster”.

Some Celtics fans wondered why Boston, with its war chest of draft picks and some intriguing young talent, couldn’t put together a package that topped what Minnesota landed Butler with on Thursday.

“This is one we had to get right and one what we had to get lucky with”, Nelson said. His character and work ethic are what helped seal their decision.

On the challenge of earning time with the Celtics: “He definitely is not turned off by it. Jayson is definitely up for the challenge and we’ve always just encouraged him”.