picc wrote:azcatz11 wrote:This game is a good reason why Tatum is not a tier 1 player. He’s not built to carry the load
Is it possible he's as close as you can get to being a superstar without actually being one?
I don't know what to make of Tatum. He has 3 level scoring, he can pass, but it never seems to come together fluidly according to whats happening in the moment. He doesn't seem to be able to randomly adapt his plan.
He doesn't really control games and manipulates defenses. And his handle is good, but not good enough to just navigate the court freely and at will. Watching Mitchell do that makes it obvious how lacking Tatum is in the skill.
I don't consider Mitchell a superstar either, and I'm still undecided on which of them is better. But its undeniable Mitchell is a more dynamic player on the offensive end.
The damning part for Tatum was that while Mitchell was cooking and the Cavs were pulling away, I had zero expectation of Tatum bringing them back. Or even attempting to.
Maybe thats because of how egalitarian the Celtics have become with their talent, but maybe its because I just don't believe in him. I don't know.
I'm really curious what Celtics fans make of Tatum though.
My only conclusion is he's kind of soft. Like he's not uber competitive, which is kind of surprising considering how much he idolizes Kobe.