Jayson Tatum‘s ascension toward superstardom is almost complete. The Boston Celtics forward has proven himself one of the best players in the world. Tatum has been named to the All-NBA first team in the last two seasons, cementing his position among the top 10 players in the NBA.
However, Tatum wants more. Aside from the quest to be crowned an NBA champion, the 25-year-old wants to be named to an All-Defensive team. Tatum is an elite defender, capable of guarding multiple positions at a high level, yet it appears he wants to prove his value as a genuine two-way player in the league.
Buy Celtics Tickets“I want to make an all-defensive team,” Tatum said during an interview with Jeff Goodman on The Messenger. “That’s what I want.”
Throughout his six years in the NBA, Tatum has played on some stringent defensive units. Both Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka were defense-first coaches and preached the importance of connectivity within a positionless system.
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Under Joe Mazzulla, who preaches offense above all, Tatum’s desire to be respected on both ends of the floor is more important than ever. Playing a fast-paced offense with an onus on perimeter shooting allows more scores for opposing fast-breaks.
Tatum has all the tools to be an All-Defensive selection; he needs to be in a more structured system. Boston’s recent addition of Sam Cassell and Charles Lee could provide that structure and help balance Mazzulla’s penchant for offense. If that happens, Tatum could reach his individual goal sooner rather than later.
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