Jayson Tatum

[Mulhollanddrive]

Has the skill to develop a 37% corner 3.

[Johnny Be Goode]

Do you think that he can become a super star?

He has really impressed me with his all-around game and quick first step. He doesn't seem to be explosive around the basket but he has a nice handle and a really good first step. I think he'll be good.

[Lord Cuban]

He plays alot like Harrison Barnes (Mavs version)....

[ItsThatEasy]

He plays alot like Harrison Barnes (Mavs version)....

To be fair a lot of players his size have played like this to some degree.

PG13, Pierce, Barnes, 'Melo, Jabari, etc.

Those 6'8-ish guys with midrange skills tend to be similar with a few details that really separate them.

[Mulhollanddrive]

I'd like Tatum in a game 7.

Think he's the type of player who would become more important as other players struggle with added defensive pressure.

[jrob23]

He's legit 6'9" not the listed 6'8". The demise of his athleticism has been greatly exaggerated. He just dunked on a 7 footer with authority. He has it when he needs it. He doesn't seem like a guy that wastes energy. Like, he'll take a layup on a fastbreak over a jam on occasion. He also seems like this latest growth spurt has his coordination a little behind. Barnes, Porter, and Jabari are very good comps. None of them are superstars who can carry a team nightly but they are solid #2 options. I think Tatum will be more productive than all of them and unlike them, has a small chance of being a #1 guy.

[mattao313]

He looks like Gallinari without the 3pt shot

[shawn_hemp]

His passing ability is somewhat underrated. I wouldn't say he is a "pass first" player, but if someone else is clearly more open then he is, he will get them the ball.

He isnt as athletic as Josh Jackson, I hear you on that. But is that really something you can knock someone for? Not being as athletic as Josh Jackson? He's athletic enough, still has the awareness to affect the game on defense, and is not only an excellent free throw shooter, but excellent at getting to the line as well.

Joe Johnson seems like a pretty reasonable comparison, although I think Tatum is a bit taller and longer which will let him be more disruptive on the defensive end.

Another thing Tatum does really well is grab rebounds, although I guess there should be some trepidation about whether this will carry over to the NBA level. I'd imagine it would, considering he is only going to put on weight and possibly get a little taller. Either way, I like the way he snatches the ball out of the air, definitely a lot stronger than people give him credit for.

all that being said, his ideal projection would have him bulking up a bit and being able to play PF in the NBA if asked to. People knock him for taking mid-range shots but fail to point out that he makes A LOT of mid range shots. Part of the reason his FT shooting is solid is because he just owns that range of the basketball court.

The reason I say he would be best suited to play PF is because I dont know if his athleticism will ever be at the point where he can cover some of the quicker SFs in the league. But he will be able to abuse opposing PF's on the offensive end, considering his ISO game is remarkably advanced for someone who is a Freshman.

Another person I could compare him to is Thaddeus Young, although I think he is more comfortable with the ball in his hands than Thaddeus. Unfortunately, we've seen plenty of 3-4 tweeners come out of college and never really make any waves in the NBA, so Tatum seems like a gamble in my opinion.

Always seems like the "safe picks" turn out to be ineffective though, so if Im sitting in the 6-10 range of the draft and Tatum is on the board I'd have to at least consider taking him.

[reanimator]

If he doesn't knock his blackhole habits, I'm seeing a Rudy Gay style player.

[jrob23]

His passing ability is somewhat underrated. I wouldn't say he is a "pass first" player, but if someone else is clearly more open then he is, he will get them the ball.

He isnt as athletic as Josh Jackson, I hear you on that. But is that really something you can knock someone for? Not being as athletic as Josh Jackson? He's athletic enough, still has the awareness to affect the game on defense, and is not only an excellent free throw shooter, but excellent at getting to the line as well.

Joe Johnson seems like a pretty reasonable comparison, although I think Tatum is a bit taller and longer which will let him be more disruptive on the defensive end.

Another thing Tatum does really well is grab rebounds, although I guess there should be some trepidation about whether this will carry over to the NBA level. I'd imagine it would, considering he is only going to put on weight and possibly get a little taller. Either way, I like the way he snatches the ball out of the air, definitely a lot stronger than people give him credit for.

all that being said, his ideal projection would have him bulking up a bit and being able to play PF in the NBA if asked to. People knock him for taking mid-range shots but fail to point out that he makes A LOT of mid range shots. Part of the reason his FT shooting is solid is because he just owns that range of the basketball court.

The reason I say he would be best suited to play PF is because I dont know if his athleticism will ever be at the point where he can cover some of the quicker SFs in the league. But he will be able to abuse opposing PF's on the offensive end, considering his ISO game is remarkably advanced for someone who is a Freshman.

Another person I could compare him to is Thaddeus Young, although I think he is more comfortable with the ball in his hands than Thaddeus. Unfortunately, we've seen plenty of 3-4 tweeners come out of college and never really make any waves in the NBA, so Tatum seems like a gamble in my opinion.

Always seems like the "safe picks" turn out to be ineffective though, so if Im sitting in the 6-10 range of the draft and Tatum is on the board I'd have to at least consider taking him.

I was thinking he'd put on some lbs naturally and through the weight room as well and could play some PF on occasion as well. The extra weight lifting and training may also increase his lateral quickness and if he stayed the same weight or lost some he could stay at SF. He's got a good base defensively but the very best SF will be a problem for him defensively. But aren't they for everyone? So I do see how he might be a tweener 3/4. How his body transforms will dictate whether he's' a stretch 4 or 3. We'll probably know once he's measured. I believe he's at least 6'9". If he's even close to 6'10" when all is said and done it'll be a moot point as he'll def be a 4.

[cksdayoff]

Not a fan of Tatum

[Duke4life831]

If he doesn't knock his blackhole habits, I'm seeing a Rudy Gay style player.

Even though he's being greatly misused he's still averaging more assists than Brandon Ingram and about the same as Winslow when they were at Duke. Both of those guys are known to be good passing forwards. Tatum being a black hole has been over stated in my opinion.

[reanimator]

If he doesn't knock his blackhole habits, I'm seeing a Rudy Gay style player.

Even though he's being greatly misused he's still averaging more assists than Brandon Ingram and about the same as Winslow when they were at Duke.

They have some potential but I don't consider either of those guys as great passers nor ball dominant so I feel that isn't saying much.

[Duke4life831]

If he doesn't knock his blackhole habits, I'm seeing a Rudy Gay style player.

Even though he's being greatly misused he's still averaging more assists than Brandon Ingram and about the same as Winslow when they were at Duke.

They have some potential but I don't consider either of those guys as great passers nor ball dominant so I feel that isn't saying much.

Ingram has seen some minutes at PG this year and Winslow was averaging about 4 assists as a point forward for Miami this year before he got hurt. I'm not saying he's this great facilitator or anything but I don't buy this black hole thing or anything. For instance Isaac puts up 2 assists per 40 compared to Tatum's 2.7. He moves the ball pretty well in my opinion, I have a lot of gripes about the Duke team this year and even Tatum, but being a black hole is not an issue.

[reanimator]

Even though he's being greatly misused he's still averaging more assists than Brandon Ingram and about the same as Winslow when they were at Duke.

They have some potential but I don't consider either of those guys as great passers nor ball dominant so I feel that isn't saying much.

Ingram has seen some minutes at PG this year and Winslow was averaging about 4 assists as a point forward for Miami this year before he got hurt. I'm not saying he's this great facilitator or anything but I don't buy this black hole thing or anything. For instance Isaac puts up 2 assists per 40 compared to Tatum's 2.7. He moves the ball pretty well in my opinion, I have a lot of gripes about the Duke team this year and even Tatum, but being a black hole is not an issue.

Think its clear Ingram at PG was simply a misevaluation and he will be best as a 4. Skeptical on the sample size with Winslow. Difference between Isaac and Tatum is he does not pound the dribble to get to his spots but I wouldn't call him a good passer nor do I think assist are a good metric for whether a player is a blackhole since some of the biggest blackholes accrue assist simply as a product of ball dominance.

[Duke4life831]

They have some potential but I don't consider either of those guys as great passers nor ball dominant so I feel that isn't saying much.

Ingram has seen some minutes at PG this year and Winslow was averaging about 4 assists as a point forward for Miami this year before he got hurt. I'm not saying he's this great facilitator or anything but I don't buy this black hole thing or anything. For instance Isaac puts up 2 assists per 40 compared to Tatum's 2.7. He moves the ball pretty well in my opinion, I have a lot of gripes about the Duke team this year and even Tatum, but being a black hole is not an issue.

Think its clear Ingram at PG was simply a misevaluation and he will be best as a 4. Skeptical on the sample size with Winslow. Difference between Isaac and Tatum is he does not pound the dribble to get to his spots but I wouldn't call him a good passer nor do I think assist are a good metric for whether a player is a blackhole since some of the biggest blackholes accrue assist simply as a product of ball dominance.

I just haven't watched Duke this year and during the game I never said damn Tatum is a black hole and hurting this team. Does he Iso a good amount? Ya but I consider that a skill and he doesn't over do it. I thought Jabari was much more of a black hole than Tatum is while he was at Duke and I don't see people claim Jabari is a black hole.

My biggest issue with Tatum as a prospect is his struggle to finish around legit length. He's actually has fit pretty well inside the offense and if anything I wish he was more aggressive the past few games, he was way too passive the 1st half against UNC and all today against Clemson.

I totally understand why someone wouldn't be a fan of his because of his lack of athleticism or 3pt shooting, I just don't think facilitating has been a problem for him this year.

[reanimator]

Does he Iso a good amount? Ya but I consider that a skill and he doesn't over do it.

I think this is where we differ. I'm just not a fan of the brand of ISO Tatum plays where it takes multiple dribbles to get where he is going since I don't see him as a franchise type talent. Give me Isaac or even Bridges if Tatum is going to be an extremely high usage guy.

[jrob23]

Ingram has seen some minutes at PG this year and Winslow was averaging about 4 assists as a point forward for Miami this year before he got hurt. I'm not saying he's this great facilitator or anything but I don't buy this black hole thing or anything. For instance Isaac puts up 2 assists per 40 compared to Tatum's 2.7. He moves the ball pretty well in my opinion, I have a lot of gripes about the Duke team this year and even Tatum, but being a black hole is not an issue.

Think its clear Ingram at PG was simply a misevaluation and he will be best as a 4. Skeptical on the sample size with Winslow. Difference between Isaac and Tatum is he does not pound the dribble to get to his spots but I wouldn't call him a good passer nor do I think assist are a good metric for whether a player is a blackhole since some of the biggest blackholes accrue assist simply as a product of ball dominance.

I just haven't watched Duke this year and during the game I never said damn Tatum is a black hole and hurting this team. Does he Iso a good amount? Ya but I consider that a skill and he doesn't over do it. I thought Jabari was much more of a black hole than Tatum is while he was at Duke and I don't see people claim Jabari is a black hole.

My biggest issue with Tatum as a prospect is his struggle to finish around legit length. He's actually has fit pretty well inside the offense and if anything I wish he was more aggressive the past few games, he was way too passive the 1st half against UNC and all today against Clemson.

I totally understand why someone wouldn't be a fan of his because of his lack of athleticism or 3pt shooting, I just don't think facilitating has been a problem for him this year.

I noticed that when he was dunking over that 7 footer. How unathletic he was /s. I sometimes wonder if you ever even watch him. Or like I surmise you do...but months ago read a scouting report on draftxpress and are just stubbornly sticking by that despite mountains of evidence proving it/you wrong. As for 3 pt he's shooting .417% in Feb. Not saying he's proving anything but his skill set suggests that he should be adequate or better especially when you see what a great FT shooter he is.

[Kolkmania]

Think its clear Ingram at PG was simply a misevaluation and he will be best as a 4. Skeptical on the sample size with Winslow. Difference between Isaac and Tatum is he does not pound the dribble to get to his spots but I wouldn't call him a good passer nor do I think assist are a good metric for whether a player is a blackhole since some of the biggest blackholes accrue assist simply as a product of ball dominance.

I just haven't watched Duke this year and during the game I never said damn Tatum is a black hole and hurting this team. Does he Iso a good amount? Ya but I consider that a skill and he doesn't over do it. I thought Jabari was much more of a black hole than Tatum is while he was at Duke and I don't see people claim Jabari is a black hole.

My biggest issue with Tatum as a prospect is his struggle to finish around legit length. He's actually has fit pretty well inside the offense and if anything I wish he was more aggressive the past few games, he was way too passive the 1st half against UNC and all today against Clemson.

I totally understand why someone wouldn't be a fan of his because of his lack of athleticism or 3pt shooting, I just don't think facilitating has been a problem for him this year.

I noticed that when he was dunking over that 7 footer. How unathletic he was /s. I sometimes wonder if you ever even watch him. Or like I surmise you do...but months ago read a scouting report on draftxpress and are just stubbornly sticking by that despite mountains of evidence proving it/you wrong. As for 3 pt he's shooting .417% in Feb. Not saying he's proving anything but his skill set suggests that he should be adequate or better especially when you see what a great FT shooter he is.

I don't understand why people label every big man as a 7 footer. It was Kennedy Meeks, he's like 6'9''. Why are you denying that his vertical explosiveness off one foot is a legitimate problem? He even missed a dunk in the same game against North Carolina.

[jrob23]

I just haven't watched Duke this year and during the game I never said damn Tatum is a black hole and hurting this team. Does he Iso a good amount? Ya but I consider that a skill and he doesn't over do it. I thought Jabari was much more of a black hole than Tatum is while he was at Duke and I don't see people claim Jabari is a black hole.

My biggest issue with Tatum as a prospect is his struggle to finish around legit length. He's actually has fit pretty well inside the offense and if anything I wish he was more aggressive the past few games, he was way too passive the 1st half against UNC and all today against Clemson.

I totally understand why someone wouldn't be a fan of his because of his lack of athleticism or 3pt shooting, I just don't think facilitating has been a problem for him this year.

I noticed that when he was dunking over that 7 footer. How unathletic he was /s. I sometimes wonder if you ever even watch him. Or like I surmise you do...but months ago read a scouting report on draftxpress and are just stubbornly sticking by that despite mountains of evidence proving it/you wrong. As for 3 pt he's shooting .417% in Feb. Not saying he's proving anything but his skill set suggests that he should be adequate or better especially when you see what a great FT shooter he is.

I don't understand why people label every big man as a 7 footer. It was Kennedy Meeks, he's like 6'9''. Why are you denying that his vertical explosiveness off one foot is a legitimate problem? He even missed a dunk in the same game against North Carolina.

Meeks is close to 6'10" with a 7 foot reach. It's semantics. So you are arguing about 2 inches? omg too funny. Sorry but the narrative that he's not explosive is played out for everybody but his haters. I've shown plenty of highlights of him dunking on people. You guys just don't want to admit you're wrong. Who cares if he lacks explosion off one foot? Is this some long standing rule that only guys that jump off one foot are deemed explosive? like wtf? Oh no!!! He missed a dunk! smh lmao. I'm done trying...its pointless.