Why the Orlando Magic should draft Jayson Tatum
Fixable Weaknesses
Two of the biggest criticisms of his game have been passing (mostly in his glaring, negative assist-to-turnover ratio) and attacking the rim. Simply tweaking his jumper could ameliorate, if not solve, both those issues.
And that is what stands out most about Tatum. His weaknesses are largely correctible and can only add to his prodigious offensive skills.
For Tatum to become a NBA “Swiss Army Knife,” it will take more than making necessary improvements to his shot. Guarding multiple positions also matters for a player with that moniker.
His defensive effort at Duke was inconsistent at times, giving him an undeserved reputation as a liability on that end. He has the basic framework to be a good defender: good length, quick feet, solid instincts, good lateral quickness, etc.
Admittedly, on some possessions he did not always use those tools the best he could. But depending on matchups, Tatum has guarded and can guard positions 1-4. He will only get physically stronger and more experienced, and thus better at defending out of position. Outside of Josh Jackson and Jonathan Isaac, there are not too many guys at the top of this draft class you can say that about. Tatum’s offense just makes him even more unique.
Duke Blue Devils Basketball
Simply put, there is not a player in this draft who has as realistic of a shot to be a versatile, positive offensive player AND a versatile, positive defensive player as Tatum does.
Josh Jackson will not be as good of a shooter as Tatum. Markelle Fultz will not be able to guard as many positions. Jonathan Isaac is the next best thing when it comes to sheer versatility, but even he is not as polished.
Tatum is the best bet to be good at the most things.
Of course, some teams would rather have a player who is outstanding at a few things instead. That is why Fultz is unanimously projected to be picked first. None of this is to say Tatum should be the unanimous No. 1 – we are talking about the potential sixth pick here.
The Magic are simultaneously at square one in terms of roster construction and short on time to build a good team. They are experiencing their longest-ever playoff drought, but they also do not have any clear foundation pieces. They just need a player who is both talented and easy to build around.
Tatum may never be at the top of the league in any one category, but he will be good at enough things to make him an easy fit alongside almost anyone else. At six, Tatum will be their guy.
He has clear, polished, demonstrable skills already, and despite his weaknesses, his is the kind of personality you can feel good about betting on to make the necessary improvements. Not only that, but his necessary improvements are all within his grasp and are realistic to expect of any prospect.