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Boston Celtics: Is Jayson Tatum’s poor start hurting the Cs?

By Dylan Thompson

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a non-call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on October 27, 2021 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a non-call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on October 27, 2021 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics are off to a predominantly rocky start this season despite the recent Sunshine State sweep, and their All-Star Jayson Tatum has been a big reason why.

Tatum is off to a poor start in his fifth season, and he deserves blame for the Celtics’ struggles this season.

Boston Celtics fans need to stop letting Tatum off the hook and criticize him for his poor play.

Tatum has historically struggled early in the season in his career, but this year ultimately feels worse as the Celtics sit at 3-5, and they are struggling to close games. So far this season, Tatum is averaging 24.3 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game, but his shooting percentages are terrible. Tatum is shooting 38% from the field and a pedestrian 26% from the 3-point line.

Although Tatum’s numbers look solid, they may be deceiving. Jaylen Brown has been outplaying him this season, and Brown looks hungrier out on the court. Tatum’s struggles could be a result of his constant complaining, his lack of playmaking, and his poor play in the fourth quarter.

Tatum’s complaining has gotten worse this season, and it could be starting to get in his head. I can’t recall the last time I watched Tatum drive to the basket and not complain to a referee following the play. I don’t think it’s surprising that he still fails to get calls in games.

Tatum’s playmaking continues to be a problem with the Celtics as he has yet to take the leap as a passer. According to StatMuse, Tatum ranks 6th in the NBA in fewest assists per game by a player taking 20+ shots a game with 3.7. This is concerning as Tatum continues to take difficult shots and he is failing to get his teammates involved.

Tatum’s fourth-quarter struggles are the most concerning thing this season because he was good in the fourth quarter last year. This season the Celtics have struggled to close games in the fourth quarter, and Tatum is a big reason why.

The Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter this season are 28th in offense, 24th in defense, and 24th in points. This is concerning because Tatum is supposed to be the go-to guy in the fourth quarter. Tatum’s play in clutch minutes this season has been poor for a player of his caliber.

Overall, I think Jayson Tatum needs to be criticized for his poor play, and he has to be better if the Celtics are going to improve. Tatum needs to become more of a leader and he needs to improve his game. I thought his decision not to speak with the media after the collapse against the Chicago Bulls was a weak move because he failed to take accountability for his play.

If the Boston Celtics are going to make the playoffs, they are going to need Jayson Tatum to return to an elite level.

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