Hardwood Houdini Draft Profiles
Jayson Tatum: Duke, SF
Height: 6’8″
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 18
Click the name for up to date stats: Jayson Tatum
Strength’s:
Polished Scorer:
Tatum has the total offensive package, and is already extremely polished when it comes to scoring. Most freshmen are raw coming into college, and some are still very raw when heading to the NBA. Tatum can score in the mid-range game, off the dribble, he can create his own shot in isolation, he can get to the rim and finish, and he can shoot from 3. Very much like when Jabari Parker was at Duke, Tatum already has an NBA ready offensive skill set. He has a chance to be a go to guy at the next level.
Size:
At 6’8″ Tatum has ideal size for the small forward position in the NBA. This size will help him defensively, but will also give him an advantage offensively when being guarded by smaller players. He uses his size well when backing his opponents down, and has a terrific fall away jumper. There is no question that he fits the small forward criteria.
Weaknesses:
Relies too much on Isolation:
The NBA is starting to transition away from isolation basketball. The isolation game that helped Carmelo Anthony succeed for so many years is no longer a popular offensive tool to have. Tatum often relies too much on isolating his defender and veering away from team basketball. He tries to do too much on his own. It is fine to do this in the NBA at different points throughout the game, but he can’t rely on it too much because good defenders will be able to figure him out quickly.
Efficiency:
Although Tatum has scored in double figures in every collegiate game he has played in this year except for one, his efficiency is down. He is only shooting 44.4% from the field and 31.4% from 3. He has shot 50% or greater from the field in only six games so far this season. Connecting back with his isolation issues, he sometimes forces tough shots.
Overview:
Tatum is going to be a terrific offensive player in the NBA. His offensive skill set provides a variety of scoring abilities. His size for the small forward position is outstanding, and this size will help him on the defensive end as well. Once he learns to limit his isolation tendencies, he will improve his efficiency and will find easier shots through his teammates. His 3-point shooting will only improve. He is a very exciting prospect and I see him being selected in the 5-8 range.