Jayson Tatum, who is only 25 years old, has already created one of the best careers in Boston Celtics history. When Tatum scored his 10,000th career point in Boston’s most recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets, he put the finishing touches on his legendary play.
With the achievement, Tatum became the tenth-youngest player in NBA history as well as the youngest player in franchise history to score 10,000 points. In addition, he made NBA history as the youngest player to ever score 10,000 points and make 1,000 three-pointers.
Tatum led the club in points, rebounds, field goals, and 3-pointers as the Celtics defeated the Nets 124–114. The star player for Boston finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds on 10 of 20 field goals and 6 of 10 three-pointers.
There were around five minutes remaining in the first half when Tatum reached 10,000 points. The all-star forward spun twice on a stunning ‘and-one’ drive to the basket after posting his opponent up at the 3-point line. Tatum then made the most of the chance by making a free throw, giving him 10 points in total.
Tatum’s career total number of games played is now 444. Only Paul Pierce and Larry Bird have scored 10,000 points in fewer games in Celtics history. In a nutshell, Tatum is a future basketball legend.
Tatum, who has now won two consecutive selections to the All-NBA First Team, is off to a great start in the 2023–24 season. In five games, he’s shot an incredible 55.0% from the field and 45.2% from three, averaging 30.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Thanks to Tatum’s offensive prowess, the Boston Celtics are the only unbeaten club in the league with a 5-0 record.
Tatum is making a career-high 3.8 three-pointers per game on 8.4 attempts, despite his free throw volume being significantly lower than it was last year (only 5.2 attempts per game thus far). Tatum, who is gunning for his first MVP, should see an increase in his scoring totals once his free throw percentage returns to normal.
In a post-game press conference, Tatum discussed his achievement of 10,000 points, making some poignant remarks that will undoubtedly touch Celtics supporters.
“Time has flown by quickly; I was drafted in this building in 2017,” the author said. 10,000 points seems like a lot of points. I can’t help but look back to my childhood, growing up with my mother and declaring my dream of playing in the NBA. It feels strange to really be among the best players, even if I may have assumed I would be. Sort of living my dream, really. Having my mother and grandmother here today was a treat. Those are my two favourite persons in the world, save maybe Deuce. It was nice to share that moment with them.
Tatum did not enter the league as his team’s primary scorer or ball handler, in contrast to most generational prospects. Tatum’s rookie season usage percentage was only 19.4%, down from last year’s 32.6%. Tatum did not establish himself as Boston’s undisputed top player until halfway through his third season, which was also his first as an All-Star. His usage did, however, somewhat increase during his first postseason.
Tatum spoke candidly with the Boston media following the Nets victory about being selected by a club with such a talented roster.
“When I was drafted, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t even want to travel to Boston in the first place since I didn’t think I would be able to play. They had Smart, JB, Isaiah Thomas, Gordon, and Gordon. I didn’t believe I was competent enough to play for that team. Everything has a purpose, and I was given the chance.
Tatum has established himself as a top NBA star after four seasons. The 6-foot-8 phenomenon plays excellent defence, rebounds like a seven-footer, makes buckets like they’re going out of style, and sets up his teammates with precise passes. Tatum is improving all the time because he has one of the most comprehensive skill sets in basketball.
During the summer, JT worked with 2008 champion and new assistant coach Sam Cassell to improve his mid-range and post-up skills. Tatum has displayed his ability to score at all three levels, looking like the best version of himself to date.
Last season, Tatum had a post-up frequency of 5.1%. This season, that mark has increased to 13.1%. Tatum also leads the NBA in “and-one” frequency percentage on post-ups, drawing a three-point play on 12% of his post-ups. He also ranks No. 1 in free throw frequency in post-up situations at 31.3%, up 2.5% from last season.
Incredibly enough, Tatum currently ranks tenth in points per post-up ahead of Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Victor Wembanyana, Bam Adebayo, and many more marquee big men. He also shoots 58.3% in the post, good for top-15 in the NBA.
Tatum has officially reached heights no other 25-year-old has reached, and he still has more to achieve. An MVP season could happen, especially if the Boston Celtics continue their winning ways. Even so, Tatum has one primary goal in mind: an NBA championship.
10,000 points is sweet, but a ring would be even sweeter.
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