Nobody knew exactly what Jayson Tatum’s return to the Celtics would look like, but overall, the early results have been incredible. One thing that was thought to be a possibility, but likely a long shot, was the idea of Tatum playing the center position in small-ball lineups. We’ve seen it in the past, but with the strain on the surgically repaired achilles, it felt like a lot to hope for this season.
Instead, it may be the opposite that is actually the case, as we’ve seen a fair amount of JT at the five, and it seems like a look they can keep going back to. For one thing, his rebounding has been as good as ever since returning, as he looks completely comfortable patrolling the glass, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game in his ten games so far.
Beyond that, playing down low more often may be beneficial even for Tatum’s health. Despite having to guard bigger, stronger players, the move allows him to use his size and strength more than his quickness and agility.
Battling in the paint saves him from guarding perimeter players, forcing him to rely on lateral movements and constant changes in direction. As a center, he can sit back and read the defense, offering some rim protection and dominating the boards.
Ability to switch on defense and pick-and-pop on offense is deadly
Not only is this good for Tatum, but it can also be very good for the Celtics as well. They don’t have a center who can play anything but drop coverage on defense, whereas JT can switch onto just about any player in the league. That’s a different, and much-needed element that the Cs have lacked all season, that could somehow become a strength in the playoffs.
The advantage could be just as large on the other end of the floor as now opponents’ big men will have nowhere to hide when Tatum is at five. He can be the one running the offense, or the screener in actions just as easily, and he’ll be surrounded by elite shooters and guys who can attack off the dribble.
In a league that’s trending back towards size, with a lot of East contenders playing multiple bigs, instead of trying to compete with a jumbo front line, perhaps the Celtics’ best bet is to go the other way and force everyone to keep up with their small ball.
It’s a fascinating dynamic to watch, and one that is a huge luxury for a Celtics team that didn’t have this optionality a month ago. A lot is changing with Tatum back in the fold, and Joe Mazzulla is going to have many great buttons to press whenever he wants to.