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NBA Comparison: Jayson Tatum

By Alex Eddy

Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals forward Mangok Mathiang (12) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /
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Jayson Tatum has recently put himself in the top three conversation when it comes to the 2017 NBA Draft. He has been stellar in his three ACC tournament games, scoring over 20 points in each contest. Tatum has shot 24-45 from the field in these three games, and has gone 18-20 from the free throw line. Offensively, he is an absolute treat to watch.

Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Jackson are the names we hear as the top three picks. Fultz going one for almost everyone, followed by either Ball or Jackson in the second slot. Tatum is reminding all of us that he belongs in the top three discussion.

Dec 5, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after taking a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after taking a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Case Scenario: Carmelo Anthony, Jabari Parker

There is so much Anthony in Tatum. Both are lethal in the isolation game, and both are as gifted as it comes on the offensive end of the floor. They can score in all three phases. 3-point shooting, mid-range, and getting all the way to the rim. Both are match up nightmares at 6’8″ because they can post up smaller forwards, while also beating power forwards to the rim. Anthony is so smooth offensively, and that is exactly what you see in Tatum. His stroke is so smooth and fluent.

The isolation game can sometimes be a curse as well. As we have seen with Anthony over the years, teams are starting to go away from isolation. Isolating your best scorer can often disrupt the flow of the offense, leading to poor possessions and poor shot selections. Tatum has gotten better as the season has gone on with ball movement, and keeping his teammates involved.

When it comes to Parker, I immediately think of how they were both used at Duke. Both are more natural small forwards, but were asked to play power forward in Durham. Just like Parker was as a Blue Devil, Tatum is as polished as it gets for a freshman. His offensive skill set is off the charts. They both can spread out the defense all the way to the 3-point line, but also can post up defenders in the paint.

Both can lead a fast break if needed. Parker has a more physical body than Tatum right now, but I think Tatum can get to that point. Parker has shown us flashes of explosiveness when getting to the rim, and I see this in Tatum as well. Overall, I think Tatum has a bit more defensive potential than Parker and Anthony had going into the NBA.

Jan 15, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Realistic Comparison: Rudy Gay

Gay and Tatum have very similar games. Both have lanky 6’8″ frames, and are both natural scorers. Gay has averaged 20 points or more for three seasons in his NBA career. I definitely think Tatum can match that without an issue.

I think Tatum does have a lot of upside, and I think that definitely exceeds a player like Gay, but they have very similar games. Gay has never been an all-star in his 11-year career in the NBA despite his sensational scoring ability. I think Tatum will definitely be an all-star in the NBA one day. Gay is not a poor comparison for Tatum by any means, I think Tatum will be able to match Gay at the very least.

Tatum definitely has more defensive potential than Gay, and I think this has improved as the college season has gone on. Tatum has had some terrific blocks this year, and I think his defense will only get better.

Next: NBA Comparison: Markelle Fultz

Tatum is one of the most offensively skilled players in the entire country. He has the whole package. With his recent play, he has put his name back in the conversation for a top three pick. He has the go to scoring abilities that many look for in the NBA. He can straight up get buckets, and will be a very hard player to pass up on. Look for a big NCAA tournament run for Tatum.