The 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 NBA Draft was one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory. Held on June 22 of that year, it was the first draft to be held in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. A total of 60 players were selected by 30 different teams, representing the 30 franchises in the National Basketball Association. It was the first draft since 1966 to not include players from the University of Kentucky, a fact which generated a great deal of attention in the media.
The 2017 NBA Lottery
The 2017 NBA Lottery was held on May 16, 2017, with the Philadelphia 76ers winning the first overall pick. The Los Angeles Lakers followed with the second pick, and the Boston Celtics had the third pick in the draft. After the lottery, teams were able to make trades with other teams in order to move up or down in the draft order.
The 3rd Pick in the 2017 NBA Draft
The third pick of the 2017 NBA Draft was Jayson Tatum, a forward from Duke University. Tatum was considered to be one of the top prospects in the draft, and the Celtics were thrilled to have the opportunity to select him.
Tatum’s Background and Career Prior to the Draft
Jayson Tatum was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in nearby Creve Coeur before enrolling at Duke University. At Duke, Tatum was part of a highly successful team that won the 2017 NCAA National Championship. He averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during his one season with the Blue Devils, and was named to the All-ACC First Team and to the All-ACC Tournament Team.
Highlighting Tatum’s Strengths
Tatum has a well-rounded game, and is capable of playing both inside and outside. He has a strong mid-range game, and is a good three-point shooter. He is also an excellent finisher around the basket, and is a strong rebounder. He is also a good defender and has the ability to guard multiple positions.
Tatum’s Impact on the Celtics
Jayson Tatum made an immediate impact on the Celtics. He was a key member of the team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in his rookie season, and he has continued to be an important contributor since then. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2017-18, and he has been selected to the NBA All-Star game in both 2018 and 2019.
Tatum’s Statistics
Tatum’s statistics in his first three seasons are impressive. He has averaged 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, and has shot 46.4% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. He has also been one of the top players on the Celtics, as evidenced by his Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 17.6, which is above the league average.
Tatum’s Future Outlook
Jayson Tatum is only 21 years old, and still has a lot of room to grow as a player. He has already established himself as one of the top young players in the NBA, and he has the potential to be an All-Star for many years to come. He has already shown the ability to score, rebound, defend, and make plays for his teammates, and he should only get better as he matures.
Comparison to Other Top Picks
The 2017 NBA Draft featured several other highly touted prospects, including Markelle Fultz (1st overall, Philadelphia), Lonzo Ball (2nd overall, Los Angeles Lakers), and Josh Jackson (4th overall, Phoenix Suns). Tatum has been the most successful of the group thus far, and has outperformed Fultz, Ball, and Jackson in almost every statistical category.
Tatum’s Place in Celtics History
Jayson Tatum has already made his mark on the Celtics franchise, and he has the potential to be one of the greats in franchise history. He is the third pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and he has been a key contributor to the team’s success over the past three seasons. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the league for years to come, and the Celtics are lucky to have him.
Conclusion
Jayson Tatum was the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and he has certainly lived up to the expectations. He has been a key contributor to the Celtics’ success over the past three seasons, and he has the potential to be one of the all-time greats in franchise history. He has all the tools to be an All-Star for many years to come, and he should be a key part of the Celtics’ future success.