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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum will have the biggest impact amongst rookies

By Zain Ahmed

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Jayson Tatum walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted third overall by the Boston Celticsduring the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Jayson Tatum walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted third overall by the Boston Celticsduring the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will be the rookie that has the biggest impact on his team during the 2017-18 NBA season

Every year there are obvious NBA Rookie of the Year candidates, but often times there are candidates who are overlooked for the award but have a bigger impact

This season the obvious candidates for ROY are Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball, and Markelle Fultz. However, a top 3 pick in this draft who is not getting as much love is Jayson Tatum. Tatum tore up NBA Summer League, looking like the most NBA ready prospect.

Tatum’s ability to score has always been highly touted, but so far there has been a vast improvement in his rebounding as well.

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The addition of Gordon Hayward may lead people to believe that it will complicate Tatum’s role. Brad Stevens does not see it that way, however.

Stevens recently stated:

"“Tatum will play wherever, “He can handle the ball. He can move it. … He’s at least a wing because he can really handle the ball, too. And he can shoot it and do all those things. He’s a very versatile player.”"

In his statement, Stevens is making it very clear that even with Hayward, Tatum still has a definitive role.

Tatum could be best served as an undersized/stretch four. Tatum’s ability to shoot and space the floor would allow Horford to work in the post. Not to mention the spacing it would allow Isaiah Thomas and Hayward as well. Also, with Avery Bradley recently being moved, Tatum could see some minutes in his place as well.

Tatum may not end up seeing a significant amount of minutes to start the season but as the season progresses his minutes will certainly increase. For Tatum, I predict that he will average 12 points and six rebounds per game.

Tatum could certainly average more PPG, but that is contingent on how well he shoots from three. If Tatum is able to consistently make 3’s around 37 percent, it will really open up Boston’s offense and make them even more lethal.

While I may be getting a little ahead of myself when I say this, but Tatum could end up being the difference maker in a series against the Cavaliers. Last year, Jaylen Brown did what he could against Cleveland but he made no real difference.

Must Read: NBA Summer League All-Stars: Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum turn heads

This year, with Cleveland, focusing on Horford, IT, and Hayward, Tatum could be the one that shines. While this may seem like lofty expectations for a rookie on a team with a lot of depth. Tatum has superstar potential, he is showing it in the summer league and it is only a matter of time before he shows it in the NBA.

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