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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum in Position to be True Number Two Option

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts at the end of the fourth quarter during a game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 14, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts at the end of the fourth quarter during a game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 14, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics need Jayson Tatum to step up and prove he can be a true number two option

The Boston Celtics are dealing with too many injuries to even keep track of right now, and the time table for returns are truly all over the place. Most guys will be coming back at some point, but there is all kinds of uncertainty.

With the Celtics firmly in that number two seed, they are going to be as patient as possible and not rush back any of these injuries. The Celtics will likely struggle, but the silver lining to injuries is always going to be the available opportunities for the players behind them.

The Celtics have all kinds of new options, but Jayson Tatum is the one they really need to step up. The Celtics have been searching for a true number two scoring option all season long, and with Jaylen Brown out with a concussion, this is the time for Tatum to prove he can handle that elevated role.

Marcus Morris really stepped up in that first game, but there is a level of potential in Tatum that he cannot reach. Tatum is certainly going to take on a bigger load with these injuries, but that is not going to be enough. If Tatum is going to prove that he can be the number two option, he needs to separate himself with others sidelined.

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Tatum needs to prove that he is willing to take on that added responsibility, and now is the time to work through any issues he may be having. Tatum needs to be more trusted as a ball handler, and needs to be more aggressive.

Tatum will inevitably get a bigger role because of these injuries, but it is still on him to make it happen. The Celtics will always function as a team on offense. It is not as if Tatum needs to take over and do it by himself, but he needs to command the ball and impose his will on offense.

Who knows exactly how much Tatum can take on, and maybe he is not quite ready for that role on a true title contending team. That being said, he will not get another opportunity like this. If Tatum wants to have a more prominent role in the playoffs, he needs to step up now.

Brad Stevens will certainly give him the opportunity he needs to be the number one option right now, and that will stay true until these injuries settle down.

Next: Boston Celtics Not Making Excuses

It may be asking too much of the rookie, but Tatum has been so good in everything the Celtics have asked of him this season. Tatum was not supposed to have this kind of opportunity to be the number one option, and if he takes advantage of it he should be able to separate himself as the number two scoring option to Kyrie Irving, something the team needs if they want to truly contend for a title.

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