While the Boston Celtics awaited league approval for their weekend trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, they were working out Duke forward Jayson Tatum on Monday morning, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
Tatum averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in his lone season under head coach Mike Krzyzewski and in the eyes of president Danny Ainge, he might just be who they would have drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and 204 pounds, the 19-year-old possesses a wingspan of 6-foot, 11-inches —a very enticing trait for a Boston team that has holes at the forward spot and can use a diverse offensive talent that can also block shots at the other end.




The Celtics have also considered Kansas forward Josh Jackson, who is a more well-rounded player at both ends, but not nearly as athletic as Tatum. Jackson's free-throw woes are also a worry, making only 56.6 percent of his shots at the stripe, paling in comparison with Tatum's 84.9 percent clip.
Ainge is hopeful that either Tatum or Jackson can be that value pick that contradicts his maligned reputation as a poor drafter, while addressing the team's needs at the forward position in a league where there can't be enough depth or athleticism.