Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is now in his third year of NBA service. The former No. 3 overall pick has failed to receive All-Star recognition thus far, but he's hoping to change that narrative this season.
Tatum played fairly well last season, averaging 15.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists. However, his performance in that campaign wasn't good enough to earn a spot on the All-Star team.
“Obviously, I wanted to make it last year, and that didn’t happen,” Tatum said, via masslive.com. “I was disappointed in myself, I didn’t play nearly good enough to make it, and that was tough. I thought about that the entire season and this summer.”
Tatum's numbers are up by a healthy margin this season. He's made 22 appearances, racking up averages of 21.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 34.1 minutes per outing. All of his statistical figures from this season are career-highs. Furthermore, the Celtics have been 17.3 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass, which is 98th percentile for his position.
For Tatum, being named an All-Star is a big deal. He knows it's not an easy task, but he's ready to work for it:
“It’s a big deal,” Tatum said. “It’s only 24 people get to make the All-Star team every year. It’s not easy, it’s the best of the best. Even hearing that I have a chance to make it this year is good. I’m not going to relax until I hear that I do make it, but keep playing the way I am, keep winning, just let the rest take care of itself.”
The Celtics improved to 17-5 with Monday night's 110-88 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum finished the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Boston will look to build on their four-game winning streak this Wednesday, when they'll face off against the Indiana Pacers.
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