Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from preseason win versus Raptors

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 3) The improved playmaking of Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum played 28 minutes for the Boston Celtics in last night’s preseason game, and his passing ability was on display as he finished with seven assists.

Tatum has long gotten the reputation of a “ball-hog”, however, that really couldn’t be further from the truth. It is no doubt that he does a lot of isolation, but the Boston Celtics need his scoring.

According to PBP stats, the C’s offensive rating dropped by nine points when Tatum was off the floor last year.

But his passing was often overlooked, as 4.3 assists per game isn’t mind-blowing stuff, however, context is key when discussing the playmaking of Tatum.

I compiled the statistics of his Celtic teammates’ shooting splits on passes by Jayson Tatum, and the numbers are poor, to say the least.

Despite this “ball-hog” label, Tatum was second in passes per game with 49.5, and first in passing frequency with over 15 percent.

In the preseason game last night, he was doing largely what he did last year but guys were hitting shots. He is an excellent weak-side passer, highlighted by a one-handed pass to a wide-open Romeo Langford, from one corner to the other.

He also had multiple nice passes turned to assists out of the double team.

If Tatum can truly capitalize on being an excellent passer out of doubled-teamed situations, it will add another elite layer to his game and will make defenses think twice about throwing the double in the first place.

Becoming a top-tier playmaker will end up benefiting his scoring in the long run.