Celtics Jayson Tatum presents R. J. Barrett with Player-of-Year trophy


Pretty cool stuff! Former Duke star Jayson Tatum surprised future Duke star R. J. Barrett by presenting him with the Gatorade National Player-of-the-Year Trophy. Barrett will be attending Duke University this fall, and will most likely be another one-and-done college star, probably choosing to enter the 2019 NBA draft.


The irony in this is that the Boston Celtics have a chance at a high lottery pick in the 2019 NBA draft, with a possible choice of a first rounder via the 76'ers or Kings. The 6'7", 180-pound Barrett has great size, wingspan and athleticism for a wing and could end up being targeted by Danny Ainge. With two All-Stars and two Rising Stars presently on the team, the return of Gordon Hayward next season (or this one?), and the prospect of future stars coming to the team makes it a great time to be a Celtics fan.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Photo via Gregory Payan/Associated Press

Share