Sixers can add versatile scoring with Jayson Tatum
Sixers have options at third, and Jayson Tatum can be the one to add another versatile scoring threat.
The wing position isn’t as immediate of a need as a secondary ball-handler to Ben Simmons, but the Sixers can snag a versatile scorer in Jayson Tatum to boost the offensive attack. Tatum is one of the prospects on the edge of the top three, and while he hasn’t been as serious of a consideration, he will be one of the names the Sixers at least scour through.
Tatum’s deficiencies are evident, and his game is often called “outdated” because of Duke’s heavy reliance on his isolation scoring. Tatum is very good at creating his own shot off the dribble, and is a consistent shooter from mid-range. The current NBA is shifting to team-oriented outside scoring, using off-ball screens to free up shooters on the outside.
The Duke forward isn’t the quickest forward this class has to offer, and his shooting stroke is slow enough to make scouts worry about how effective his shot will be in the NBA. Even with a newly improved stroke with Joel Embiid-trainer Drew Hanlen, the hitch in his shot could hurt him in real game speed. But when Tatum puts the ball on the floor it’s almost inevitable he finds his way to the rim.
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Tatum may be the best finisher in this draft class, competing with top prospect Markelle Fultz for that mantle. Finishing through traffic and with either hand, his lack of explosiveness is resolved somewhat. He also knows how to use his big body in post up situations, which often leads to mid-range shots over smaller defenders. It’s not the efficient plays the new age of analytics will crave about, but it’s a nice failsafe to have in broken offensive plays.
He’s a decent rebounder, but really excels in finding the right outlet pass to start the transition break. If he can elevate his tenacity on the glass, he will become a valuable player to have on the court. Even if his shooting never becomes better than average, he can be an effective scorer in the transition game and half-court sets.
Next to Ben Simmons, Tatum will be getting open looks on the outside, but he will also be able to get open lanes to the rim. Thanks to Simmons’ ability to get to the rim, Tatum can use off-ball cuts and his finishing ability to be effective in this Sixers offense. And while Tatum is no slouch in the passing game, he would be more effective playing off the ball and benefiting from the opportunities both Simmons and Joel Embiid make.
Defensively, Tatum can become serviceable along the perimeter, however his efforts in defending the post will often fail. He’s often caught on his heels when a player is starting to make a post move. Next to Simmons, the Sixers would be better suited adding a piece that can take away some of the defensive worries.
Overall, the Sixers have the opportunity to create a three-headed monster on the offensive side. Three independent scorers who can find a way to co-depend on each other has the makings to create a very promising big three. There are better complementary options to play alongside Simmons, but Tatum is no one to scoff at.
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The Sixers will most likely go another direction, and rightfully so. Tatum has star potential thanks to his innate ability to score. Whether that comes in a Philadelphia uniform remains to be seen, but Tatum can undoubtedly be effective in the NBA. He’s another option the Sixers can look at from the wing position, in the case Josh Jackson raises concerns to the scouting department.