Following the season-ending broken leg injury to All-Star forward Gordon Hayward, Boston Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum has been one of the early recipients of extended playing time.
According to Brian Robb of the Boston Sports Journal, Tatum voiced that it wasn't what he expected coming out of the gate to his first NBA season but is looking to take the challenge head on.
Tatum on playing big minutes so early: "It's definitely different than what I expected, but I guess it makes me comfortable a lot faster."
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) October 20, 2017
The 19-year-old has shown plenty of comfort in the increased role as he's averaging a near double-double through the first two games with 11.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in 36.5 minutes per contest. This includes a double-double in the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tatum has quickly shown the ability to create his own offense when needed to over the first couple of games, which has been a key part in helping earn significant playing time this early the season. What has also been quite encouraging is his rebounding as he's leading the team in that department.
If Tatum can continue to play at a high level, he will retain his prominent role even after Marcus Morris returns from his knee soreness that is expected to keep him out of the first week of the regular season. Although Hayward's injury is a significant blow to the team's title chances, it does provide the third overall pick in this year's draft a prime opportunity to thrive in a larger capacity on the floor.
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