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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum’s recent struggles near the rim this season

By Justin Trombino

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 04: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics makes a lay up against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on January 04, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 04: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics makes a lay up against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on January 04, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics could certainly benefit from Jayson Tatum becoming more consistent when shooting or attacking the rim this season. Tatum is performing under the league average when shooting near the rim this season.

In today’s NBA it seems like the easiest way to get points is by driving to the hoop and drawing a foul or even better, earning an “and-one”. The Boston Celtics would benefit greatly by Jayson Tatum driving in more and getting potentially fouled to earn free throws.

In the off-season Tatum pledged to be a better offensive and defensive player for the Boston Celtics. He said he was going to score more points and to do so is by 3-pointers and getting to the free throw line more often.

The former third overall pick has one of the most unique body structures on the team. Once he uses the full capabilities of his height, length, and strength, he’s going to be even more of an offensive threat. Tatum’s length should allow him to be more successful at the basket than he has been this season.

Unfortunately, Tatum is inconsistent when going towards the rim this season. In fact, he’s actually performing under the league average and only making 51.3% of his attempts when attacking the rim. He either finishes with too much force behind his release or he often just comes up short and will hit the front of the rim.

If Tatum were to finish off his drives with a little more physicality at the rim, he’d score more baskets and get more calls to go his way from the referees. It’ll come with experience in the league and the perfect example is his own teammate in Jaylen Brown who is becoming more prone to go towards the basket this season.

Although Tatum has a great fade in the low-post area, it’d be great to see him get into the defender more, back him down, and get right to the basket. He should look to be more aggressive when driving in hopes to have a cleaner finish when he gets to the rim. He should also be driving in even more when he’s not having the best shooting night.

Another element to this is how well Tatum searches for favorable match-ups. He’s done an exceptionally great job this season scoring points by taking advantage of his match-ups. For example, a few games ago against the Bulls, the favorable match-up a lot of the time for Tatum was against Kris Dunn. Tatum recognized it and went after it every time.

Within the first minute of this video, you’ll see Tatum take advantage of the situation and score on Kris Dunn multiple times.

Don’t get me wrong, Tatum is having a great season. He’s averaging 20.8 points (2nd highest on Celtics) and 6.9 rebounds per game this season. He’s currently ranked fifth in All Star voting after the first round with 1,182,663 votes.

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It’ll be great to see if Jayson Tatum will improves at or near the rim during the second half of the season. It’ll be a huge upgrade to his game and for the Boston Celtics.

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