Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams got a first glance look of the future on Sunday, as he witnessed Boston Celtics' young star Jayson Tatum erupt for a career-best 39 points to torch his team, 93-119, at the TD Garden.
Williams, who defended Tatum in some stretches, had nothing but praise for the 21-year-old player who seems to have hit his stride in his third year in the league.
“The kid is good. I mean, he is good on a bad night so when he gets it going that's what happens,” he said of Tatum post-game, per Celtics reporter Jay King.
Tatum has certainly been good this season, notching 21.6 points, 7.1 boards, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals for coach Brad Stevens. He is also on track to make his first All-Star team, given the C's hot start at 20-7 (2nd in the Eastern Conference). He also received praise from teammate Kemba Walker, claiming there will be more of these from Tatum for years to come.
Like Tatum who was pick third overall in the 2017 NBA draft, Williams is also a lottery pick himself, going second overall in 2005 behind Andrew Bogut.
But unlike Tatum who is poised to become a star in the coming years, Williams never lived up to his draft order. He did become a dependable role player throughout his 15-year career and has been a steady presence for the Hornets this season.
Williams played 19 minutes against Boston and scored two points, grabbed three boards and dished out one assist. He is averaging 7.8 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field and 40.9 from deep this season.
Follow Us
Subscribe