Max On Sports Final: Can Tatum Have An Instant Impact On Celtics?

Tatum emerged as a force on the wing for the Blue Devils.

Less than a week after securing the No. 3 spot courtesy of their high-profile trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics have selected Jayson Tatum, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Duke.

Finally, Boston flirted with the idea of trading for Kristaps Porzingis, who the Knicks were reportedly shopping.

A nice player, for sure, but with all due respect, a bit of a buzzkill. “I can’t wait to go and learn from coach (Brad) Stevens and Isaiah Thomas and just everybody on that roster”. All signs pointed to fireworks.

With Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball sure things at 1 and 2, the biggest drama on draft night was the Celtics’ pick at No. 3.

The Celtics were rumored to be chasing Butler in recent seasons, especially during last year’s draft and again at February’s trade deadline. Until the Minnesota Timberwolves beat them to the punch. Last year’s ACC Freshman of the year, he is the first NC State player to be taken in the top 10 since Tom Gugliotta in 1992. Didn’t matter, as those talks dissipated.

Tatum became the 22nd lottery pick from Duke and the 22nd for head coach Mike Krzyzewski. It’s just not a move-the-dial, fire-up-the-fan-base pick.

“LeBron James, he’s the difference”, the 19-year-old St. Louis native said.

“I look at it as a great opportunity”, said Tatum. “I’m trying not to cry right now”.

In the meantime, they can help each other grow and push each other to be the best players they can be while wearing Boston Celtics green.

And he knows exactly who he’ll be going up against.

“There’s nothing to do in Sacramento”, Ainge, who played in Sacramento later in his career, said.

Last year, it was Jaylen Brown.

The draft really started at the No. 3 pick, held by the Boston Celtics. He’s a scorer right now, with a really nice jumper, and can make plays getting to the hoop. That being said, the Celtics are encouraged by Tatum’s work ethic and basketball IQ – two things that should help him during the process.

“This is the guy we wanted”, said Grousbeck. “Sometimes, when we didn’t have a guy like Jae Crowder, it got thin at both positions and it gives us more depth and a 245-pound body that can make 3s”.

Prior to Kentucky guards Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox, and then Washington guard Markelle Fultz visiting last week, Sixers president Bryan Colangelo said the Sixers had either seen or scheduled visits with almost all of the high-level prospects but that some agents didn’t want that information made public.

“Flew across the country, are you kidding me?” And I know Danny has.

“It feels great just finally knowing where I’m going and having someplace to call home, and I’m glad it’s Boston”, Tatum said after he was drafted.

Ainge wasn’t made available to the media until after the draft concluded.

Tatum appeared soft-spoken, but was resolute about joining a team coming off an eastern conference finals appearance.