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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Jayson Tatum?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Good

There is a lot to like with Jayson Tatum. He does not look like a freshman with the way he can and does attack defenses.

Tatum averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last year for Duke. He shot 45.2 percent from the floor and posted a solid 50.7 percent effective field goal percentage. Tatum was a strong scorer who found ways to contribute in a number of different ways.

Undoubtedly, the top way Tatum contributes is in isolation in the mid-post. If anyone wants to compare him to Carmelo Anthony, that is certainly a fair thing to do. The spots he likes and the way he attacks the mid-post are very reminiscent of the New York Knicks forward.

Tatum has a quick jab step to get defenders off balance and can quickly take that space to get his deadly mid-range jumper off. Tatum shot 50.4 percent on 2-point field goals.

But Tatum is not just a mid-range maven. He can also attack and get to the basket. He does not have killer athleticism, but his quick release and his ability to create space enable him to get to the basket. At the college level, his 6-foot-8 frame gave him a huge advantage that he took on well.

Tatum is not just an offensive trick either. He was a really good rebounder at Duke for a player his size. He also made a lot of contributions on the defensive end with a +4.1 defensive box plus-minus for the season, according to Sports-Reference.

Take that number with a little grain of salt because of Duke’s non-conference schedule. But Tatum has the length and drive to become a quality defender.

What stands out about Tatum is what he can do when he does not have the ball. He finds ways to score and contribute even when his team is not featuring him in the offense. This could be critical in his development and growth as a player.

He is not simply a pure scorer. He is a versatile wing who can create his own shot and find it when the offense does not call for it.