Celtics running out of point guards - up steps Jayson Tatum
This is getting ridiculous. Boston's banged up point guard crew is comprised of Kyrie Irving (bum knee), Marcus Smart (non-self-inflicted hand injury & subsequent surgery), Terry Rozier (tweaked ankle) and Shane Larkin (flu requiring hospitalization).
Shane Larkin spent a couple days in the hospital due to the flu. He will not travel with Boston at start of road trip but could join in Milwaukee if doctors clear him.
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) April 2, 2018
Stevens: "He was in the hospital for a couple of days. It was a tough deal."
Terry Rozier tweaked his ankle late in 4th quarter of win over Raptors on Saturday.
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) April 2, 2018
Stevens deemed him questionable vs. Bucks but Rozier, who sat out practice, said: "I'm fine. I iced it a lot yesterday. I feel good. … I'm definitely playing tomorrow."
Jayson Tatum to the rescue. In the Celtics win over the Raptors on Saturday, Jayson played some point and did nicely, scoring 24 points, hauling down six rebounds and handing out four assists.
Whoa, Jason Tatum is the Celtics point guard right now. On the floor with Nader, Morris, Horford and Monroe.
— Mark Van Deusen (@LucidSportsFan) April 1, 2018
In the past, I have broached Tatum being a three-position player able to play at the two, three and four. Manning the middle at the five is not out of the question with some added muscle weight. Playing point guard never entered my mind, but it apparently entered Brad Stevens' consciousness.
Stevens on Point Tatum: "We played him at the one some tonight which we haven't done yet it allowed us to be big at the other end of the floor which was really nice. He’s a talented guy who does a lot of good things."
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 1, 2018
"Talented guy who does a lot of good things" is what Brad said about Jayson. Let's see - size, talent, versatility, character, coach-ability, youth - The Celtics may have a prize on their hands.
Jayson Tatum paces the @Celtics big Eastern Conference victory at home with 24 PTS, 6 REB! #Celtics pic.twitter.com/rKvuo1dOk3
— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2018
Can Jayson Tatum be a true 5-position player in the NBA? It is possible down the line. When I have written about Paul Pierce in the past - he of the stutter step and herky-jerky moves - I have pointed out that Jayson didn't have those in his game. But he does now. I liked the four assists on Saturday. Passing used to be a weak point for Tatum. He is a much better distributor now. We should be seeing more of Jayson at the one. A surprising but positive turn of events.
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Photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images