Since Jayson Tatum’s return to the rotation, the Boston Celtics are 6-3. Tatum has played in eight of those nine games and is averaging 19.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists, shooting 38.8% from the field and 29.3% from deep. However, there has certainly been a slight change in offensive approach, as the entire roster adjusts to having another high-usage superstar on the floor.
Tatum’s struggles from the field are also a cause for concern. He may look like himself when dribbling, driving, passing and rebounding, but he’s struggling to capitalize on his shot attempts, despite the high volume. As such, there are sections of the fanbase that are starting to grow concerned over Tatum’s ability to make a positive impact during the postseason.
During a recent episode of CLNS Media’s “The Garden Report,” Bobby Manning explained why he’s not worried about Tatum’s current shooting struggles. He noted that Boston wasn’t viewed as a championship contender this season and would be unlikely to secure banner 19 with or without Tatum during the current campaign.
“That's just the question we're going to keep asking ourselves all season: ‘Can they win a championship?’ Probably not," Manning said. "Again, was this team ready to do that regardless? Probably not. So you're going to look at it and say, 'It's probably what it'll be if this is the Tatum they're getting.' As much as it was what it was going to be before that...What I'm trying to say is I don't think his return and his struggles are going to knock them back off some great run that they were going to go on without him, necessarily.”
The Celtics came into this season with low expectations on their shoulders. They’ve overachieved at every turn. As such, expectations have risen, arguably to an unrealistic level. Nevertheless, the fact remains that any team would be better with Tatum in the rotation as opposed to being in street clothes.
The on-court product might not be pretty right now, but we’re only eight games into his return from an Achilles injury. Hopefully, by the time the playoffs arrive, Tatum is playing at a totally different level. Perhaps then, they can prove all of us wrong by making it to and challenging in the NBA Finals.
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