2017 NBA draft fallout - Jayson Tatum untouchable - Markelle Fultz unkeepable


I wrote earlier today that in any potential trade by the Celtics, I consider Jayson Tatum the only untouchable. In his sophomore season, Jayson is performing consistently for a team that is struggling. In 32 minutes per game, he is averaging 16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 SPG and only 1.5 TOPG while shooting 44% from the field, 40% on threes and 83% from the foul line. His size, youth, talent and dedication to the game make him a keeper in my eyes.


As a contrast, the 76'ers Markelle Fultz needs a new team - and fast. As a first-overall pick in the 2017 draft, he is only getting 22.5 minutes per game of floor time, while scoring only 8.2 PPG on 41% from the field, 27% on treys and a paltry 53% from the charity stripe. In college, he averaged 23 PPG on 48% from the field, 41% on threes and 65% from the foul line. What happened to him?



At the advice of his agent/attorney, Fultz will not play or practice until meeting with a shoulder specialist. Wherever the fault lies with Markelle's broken shot saga, he simply can't remain with his present team. Even Philadelphia's new arrival, Jimmy Butler, is ignoring Fultz.


My take on Markelle's shoulder issue remains in place - a fixable shoulder injury is to blame for the bulk of the issue, with possible mishandling of the injury by the 76'ers, shooting coach Drew Hanlen or Fultz himself in the mix. We will know the answers in time, but right now Danny Ainge's Kings-pick-and-Tatum for Fultz seems like a brilliant move.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC, @CelticsSentinel and Facebook

Photo via Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

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