An anonymous NBA general manager reportedly believes Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum can be the No. 1 offensive option on a team.
However, the GM doesn't think that team would win a lot of games if Tatum is the best player on the roster, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News:
“Here's the thing: You can build a team around Jayson Tatum,” the GM said. “He can be your No. 1 option. I really believe that. He can create for himself. He can get to his spots. He has a beautiful shot. But I don't know if you can win with Jayson Tatum as your No. 1 guy. So if you're rebuilding, you know, you have to think about that.”
The Celtics are widely expected to try and trade for New Orleans Pelicans superstar big man Anthony Davis this summer. Boston would have to part ways with Tatum and most likely Jaylen Brown to acquire Davis.
If the Pelicans make Tatum their No. 1 option, how far would they be able to go in the rugged Western Conference? It would ultimately depend on who New Orleans surrounds Tatum with. If the Celtics give the Pelicans Tatum and Brown for Davis, New Orleans would have two youngsters who have already shown they are capable of playing well in the postseason.
Tatum and Brown's role changed this season with the Celtics since Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward were back. A case can be made that Tatum and Brown play better when they are asked to do more.