The Boston Celtics are currently in the midst of battling it out in the NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors. A big reason they're even at this point is superstar Jayson Tatum, who has been a pillar for this franchise for several years now.
In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Celtics took the former Duke standout at No. 3 overall after trading their top pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, who ultimately selected Markelle Fultz. With the No. 2 pick, the Los Angeles Lakers nabbed Lonzo Ball. To Tatum, he was frankly shocked LA never even brought him in for a workout considering they were his favorite team growing up and he was in the top-five conversation. Needless to say, the Lakers are sure regretting that decision now.
“The Lakers were my favorite team, and Kobe was my favorite player,” says Tatum, who wore a purple No. 24 wristband to honor Bryant in the Celtics' win against the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. “So it was crazy that the Lakers had the second pick and I was so close to a dream come true. But it was just like they didn't want anything to do with me at the time.”
Imagine not even considering Tatum. A massive mistake for the Lakeshow, but the Celtics are surely benefiting from it. Tatum's numbers have literally doubled since his rookie season, and he has put himself in the conversation as one of the top players in the NBA with his brilliance over the last two seasons. In these playoffs, the 24-year-old is averaging 26.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.
Now, Jayson Tatum will be looking to win his first title with the Celtics and once again remind the Lakers they dropped the ball on draft night five years ago.
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