Boston Celtics general manager and president Danny Ainge has just come out with perhaps his biggest indication of Jayson Tatum's future with the franchise. According to Ainge, he believes that Tatum is going to be Boston's leader for the foreseeable future.
Tatum is set to open extension talks with the Celtics in the offseason, and many believe that Boston will offer him a max extension. Based on his statement here, Ainge seems to be in agreement.
Danny Ainge on @Toucherandrich: "I believe Jayson (Tatum) is going to be here for a long time."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 1, 2020
Tatum had an outstanding run for Boston this past term, averaging 23.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest. He's emerged as the team's best player, and as such, has earned the right to demand for a max deal. It does not look like the Celtics' front office will play hard ball with him here.
Ainge then went on to discuss how he intends to build a more formidable team around Tatum, particularly with the second unit.
Ainge on the Celtics needs in the offseason: "First, and foremost, health. Injuries exposed our bench a little bit."
Ainge went on to talk about how the team felt Romeo Langford could have helped in the playoffs. Ainge also admitted that criticism of the depth he built is fair.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 1, 2020
The Celtics had a memorable run in the playoffs this term but were ultimately defeated by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. As Ainge described above, Boston's depth turned out to be an issue for them as the injuries piled up. The high-ranking executive, however, has committed to addressing this concern in the offseason.
The good news for Boston here is that they have an absolute gem in their hands with Tatum. He's a generational talent, and he certainly has the makings of being one of the top players in the league — if he isn't already.
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