Jayson Tatum's Draft To The Celtics: A Deep Dive

Hey Celtics fans and basketball enthusiasts! Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the pivotal moment when Jayson Tatum was drafted to the Boston Celtics. This wasn't just another draft pick; it was a move that reshaped the franchise's future and set the stage for years of contention. So, how did it all go down?

The 2017 NBA Draft: A Night of High Stakes

The 2017 NBA Draft was held on June 22, 2017, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This draft class was highly anticipated, featuring names like Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and De'Aaron Fox. The Boston Celtics, fresh off a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, held the first overall pick, thanks to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets years prior. The buzz was palpable, and everyone wondered what Danny Ainge, the Celtics' President of Basketball Operations, had up his sleeve.

Initially, the Celtics were widely expected to select Markelle Fultz, a dynamic point guard from the University of Washington. Fultz was considered by many to be the consensus number one pick due to his scoring ability, playmaking, and overall potential. However, Ainge had other plans. In a move that stunned many, the Celtics traded the first overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for the third overall pick and a future first-round pick (which eventually became Romeo Langford). This trade signaled that the Celtics had their eyes on someone else, someone they believed could be a better fit for their long-term vision.

With the third overall pick, the Celtics selected Jayson Tatum from Duke University. Tatum, a polished scorer with a smooth offensive game, had impressed scouts with his ability to create his own shot and his maturity on the court. While some questioned whether Tatum had the same upside as Fultz, the Celtics were confident in his potential to become a star in Boston. This decision marked a significant turning point for the franchise, setting the stage for a new era of Celtics basketball centered around Tatum's growth and development. Little did everyone know just how impactful this decision would be.

Why Tatum? The Celtics' Perspective

The Celtics' decision to draft Jayson Tatum over Markelle Fultz was a calculated risk based on several factors. First and foremost, the Celtics valued Tatum's fit within their existing roster. With established players like Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford already in place, the Celtics needed a player who could complement their skills and contribute immediately. Tatum's scoring ability and versatility made him an ideal fit alongside these veterans.

Furthermore, the Celtics were impressed by Tatum's work ethic and maturity. Throughout his time at Duke, Tatum demonstrated a strong commitment to improvement and a willingness to learn. These qualities were highly valued by the Celtics' coaching staff, who believed that Tatum had the potential to develop into a complete player. His poise under pressure and his ability to perform in clutch situations were also significant factors in the Celtics' decision-making process.

Another consideration was Tatum's potential for long-term growth. While Fultz was seen as having a higher ceiling by some, the Celtics believed that Tatum had the potential to become a superstar in his own right. His combination of skill, athleticism, and intelligence made him an intriguing prospect with the potential to lead the Celtics for years to come. The Celtics were willing to bet on Tatum's development and invest in his future as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Tatum's Impact: Reshaping the Celtics Dynasty

Since joining the Celtics, Jayson Tatum has exceeded all expectations and emerged as one of the league's premier players. His impact on the team has been nothing short of transformative, as he has helped lead the Celtics to multiple deep playoff runs and established himself as a perennial All-Star.

In his rookie season, Tatum quickly established himself as a key contributor, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive prowess. He played a crucial role in the Celtics' surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, demonstrating his poise and composure on the biggest stage. As he gained more experience, Tatum's game continued to evolve, and he developed into a dynamic scorer and playmaker.

Over the years, Tatum has consistently improved his skills and expanded his offensive repertoire. He has become a master of the mid-range game, with a knack for creating space and hitting tough shots. He has also improved his three-point shooting, becoming a reliable threat from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, Tatum has also become a better passer and rebounder, contributing in all facets of the game.

Off the court, Tatum has embraced his role as a leader and become a role model for young players. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community and a willingness to give back. His leadership and character have earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in Boston.

The Trade That Could Have Been: What if the Celtics Drafted Fultz?

It's always fun to play the "what if" game, especially when it comes to draft decisions. What if the Celtics had stuck with the first overall pick and drafted Markelle Fultz? How would the Celtics' trajectory have changed? While it's impossible to know for sure, we can speculate based on what we know about both players and the Celtics' situation at the time.

If the Celtics had drafted Fultz, there's a chance that he could have thrived in Boston. However, Fultz's career was derailed by injuries and struggles with his shooting mechanics. It's possible that he would have faced similar challenges in Boston, which could have hindered his development and limited his impact on the team. Furthermore, Fultz's fit alongside the Celtics' existing players may not have been as seamless as Tatum's.

On the other hand, if Fultz had overcome his challenges and reached his full potential, the Celtics could have had a dynamic point guard to lead their offense. Fultz's scoring ability and playmaking skills could have added a new dimension to the Celtics' attack and made them an even tougher team to defend. However, given the uncertainties surrounding Fultz's development, the Celtics' decision to draft Tatum appears to be the right one in hindsight.

The Legacy of the Decision: A New Era in Boston

The decision to draft Jayson Tatum has had a lasting impact on the Boston Celtics. Tatum has become the face of the franchise and a symbol of a new era in Boston basketball. His success has validated the Celtics' decision-making process and cemented his place in Celtics lore.

Looking back, the Celtics' decision to trade down and draft Tatum was a bold move that paid off handsomely. Tatum has exceeded all expectations and emerged as one of the league's top players. His combination of skill, athleticism, and maturity has made him a perfect fit for the Celtics, and he has helped lead the team to sustained success.

As Tatum continues to grow and develop, the Celtics' future looks bright. With Tatum leading the way, the Celtics are poised to contend for championships for years to come. His impact on the team and the city of Boston is undeniable, and his legacy as a Celtic is only just beginning. So, there you have it, folks! The story of how Jayson Tatum became a Celtic and changed the game for Boston. What a ride it has been, and the journey is far from over!