The Boston Celtics are deploying Jayson Tatum off the ball more frequently. In their first four games this year, his time on the ball has dropped to 15.2 percent, per databallr.com. That figure was nearly 30 percent each of the last two seasons.
Now, you'll see them run him off flare screens more often. It's a way to capitalize on the star forward being an excellent shooter off the catch. They can also run him off screens to create opportunities in the paint and at the rim. Those also open up opportunities for him to slip to the basket.
That's also a way to generate post-up touches for Tatum. It's not the most efficient shot, but he likes it. It can help him get in rhythm and allow Boston to play inside-out to produce high-quality 3s.
He's still touching the ball 76 times per game, per NBA.com. That's in line with where that rate has always been. However, it would be his most in a season since the 2020-21 campaign. Using him in a myriad of ways, beyond screening to force a mismatch [as valuable as it is], makes the Celtics' best player even harder for the defense to contain. It also elevates his teammates. It's paying immediate dividends.
Why are the Celtics changing how they utilize Jayson Tatum?
It seemed like this was coming. For the first time, the team is entirely tailored to complement him. For instance, in part due to his passing, Paul George fits cleaner next to Tatum than Jaylen Brown. That's not a commentary on who the better overall player is in 2026-27. But the reality is that George better accentuates Boston's top option.
A one-star approach can be freeing. But a better explanation for why the four-time All-NBA First Team selection is playing off the ball more came from Joe Mazzulla.
"There isn't a numerical value. To me, it's just a feel. Every possession, how can we create an advantage? How can we create a two-on-one? What's the other team's matchups, coverages? Where can we find the advantage?" said Mazzulla before Tatum helped lead the Celtics to a 107-103 win over the New York Knicks on Friday night at TD Garden. "It's what gives us the best chance to create an advantage in a two-on-one and put him in a spot to where he can create for himself and for others as quickly and efficiently as possible."
How are the Celtics using Jayson Tatum off the ball?
Let's stick with that rivalry clash vs. the reigning champions. The six-time All-Star got a clean look at a 3-pointer off a pindown on Boston's first possession. The next time down the floor, a backscreen from Jordan Walsh didn't force Jalen Brunson to switch onto Tatum. However, it still allowed the former Duke Blue Devil to get the ball while posting up. The end result was him draining a fadeaway jumper.
Until the hosts' final possession of the first frame, each of the six-foot-eight forward's shots, including three of their first four times on offense, came from freeing him off the ball.
Of course, there is value in Tatum initiating possessions or quickly getting the rock to him above the break. That was evident in the fourth quarter. But capitalizing on a player of this magnitude, on and off the ball, helped the St. Louis native finish with 36 points, the most in the matchup. He made nearly 54 percent of his field goal attempts and dished out a team-high seven assists.
Jayson Tatum is a rising tide that lifts all boats for the Celtics
Finding that balance, with different ways to get him the ball and especially taking advantage of his shooting off the catch, has helped him average 28.0 points and 8.0 assists. The only other player matching that is Luka Doncic.
"You see a mature JT out there. Makes the right plays. Not only is he scoring and has been scoring efficiently, but he's making the right plays, and he's making assists, and he's getting guys involved," said Paul George after Tatum painted a 40-point masterpiece against the Brooklyn Nets, which he capped with a game-winning buzzer-beater in overtime. "The game looks like it's slowing down, and he's in that zone of seeing plays ahead of time."
The Celtics are maximizing their best player, which in turn is helping Tatum serve as a rising tide lifting all boats.
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