Every single element of Jayson Tatum’s game has been examined under a microscope since returning from a torn Achilles almost a month ago. All the ways that he hasn’t quite looked like 100% of his old self have been well-documented, but with how well he has played, that feels like nitpicking.
What’s not getting nearly enough attention or credit is the ways that JT has arguably been just as good, or even better than ever, and that is chiefly being displayed by his utter dominance on the glass.
Very quietly, Tatum has become an elite rebounder for his position in recent years, but so far through his 12 games this season, he has just been an elite rebounder regardless of position. He’s averaging 9.8 boards a game, and of course, he just ripped down 18 on Wednesday night in Miami.
Tatum has been an elite rebounder so far this season
Even more impressive than the raw numbers, according to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, JT is pulling down defensive rebounds at a 25.2% rate, by far the highest of any wing player in the NBA (Josh Hart is second at 20.2%).
In fact, Tatum’s defensive rebounding rate is eighth-best in the entire league, behind only elite rebounding big men: Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic, Domantas Sabonis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Love, and Andre Drummond. The entire top 20 is big men, except for Tatum.
The injury has clearly given Tatum a chance to sit and observe, learning what this team needs and how he can best help. It has also tied him a little more to the paint than the perimeter, where he doesn’t have to get down and guard by moving laterally and planting as frequently.
The result is one of the best wing players in the game, who also now rebounds as well as the best centers. It’s a rare and incredible combination, and it’s one that has raised the Celtics’ floor and unlocked a higher ceiling at the same time.
JT's rebounding has elevated Celtics to a higher level
The rebounding prowess makes the Cs a juggernaut on the glass whenever JT plays alongside one of the centers, and gives them a very viable small-ball look with Jayson playing the five without Boston surrendering a rebounding advantage.
For Tatum to come back at all this season has been a blessing. For him to come back looking this good has been borderline miraculous. And for him to come back and immediately look like one of the most dominant rebounders on the planet almost defies logic.
The Celtics and their fans are extremely lucky to be witnessing this, and hopefully, this is just the beginning. As the ramp-up continues, JT should only get better, and with his improvement, the chances of Boston raising another banner get better and better.