Tuesday, the Boston Celtics held their final training camp practice in Charleston, South Carolina. There, Jayson Tatum discussed building chemistry with new teammate Mitchell Robinson.
"It's been good. I love big Mitch," voiced Tatum, via CLNS Media, smiling as he noted the seven-foot center's comedic chops. "His size and his instincts on the defensive end, and obviously being a lob threat, and how great of a defender and rebounder he is."
Tatum and the Celtics' centers have historically formed potent partnerships. He especially thrives with great screeners and lethal lob threats at that position.
Last season, he and Neemias Queta were a +15 together, per databallr. The year before, Tatum and Kornet were a +16.5 when they shared the floor. During Boston's title run, he and Al Horford registered a +13.4. He and Kristaps Porzingis were a +9.7. With Robinson now donning green, this duo could give Boston an incredibly productive pairing.
Mitchell Robinson gives Jayson Tatum an ideal frontcourt partner
The former New York Knicks center brings size, athleticism, and physicality. His basketball IQ and work ethic are also underrated traits. He diligently studies his teammates' shots to help track where their misses are most likely to end up. That understanding has helped him become the best offensive rebounder in the NBA since he entered the Association.
Among those with at least 5,000 career minutes, Robinson is tied with Dennis Rodman for the second-highest career offensive rebounding rate, per ESPN's Zach Kram.
His ability to generate second-chance opportunities will further empower Tatum and the rest of the Celtics to let it fly from beyond the arc. Three-point attempt rate is a crucial stat in determining the outcome. A strong correlation exists between taking a higher volume and emerging victorious.
The 28-year-old from Pensacola, Florida, is also a punishing screener. His road-grading screens will pave the way for Tatum to step into clean looks from behind the three-point line. They can also force switches. The four-time All-NBA First Team selection feasts when he gets a center matched up against him.
Jayson Tatum has a new lob threat
When the six-time All-Star is on the floor with Robinson, he now has a high-flying seven-footer to throw alley-oops to. Who wouldn't love that?
As a pick-and-roll combination, these two can regularly create a numbers advantage for Boston or force the mismatch the team is targeting. Whether Tatum attacks out of the pick-and-roll or in isolation, he can look to his new center to exert pressure on the rim.
Tatum quickly built chemistry with Queta last season. It appears he's doing the same with Robinson. Knowing he'll typically be on the court with one of them is a great way to maximize the Celtics' best player and build optimal lineups. In the team's new era, the latter will now form a partnership with him that has massive upside.
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