According to Christ Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics’ most significant offseason acquisition in the summer of 2023, will be the key component that can maximize Jayson Tatum’s performance as he takes over second unit floor general duties for the 2023–24 season. Tatum will be playing significant backup minutes at point guard if Malcolm Brogdon’s relationship with the team prevents him from missing any time.
“Tatum’s overall efficiency as a pick-and-roll ball-handler has dipped in each of the last three seasons, even as his overall scoring efficiency has improved,” Forsberg noted. “Tatum’s assist percentage has risen above 20% in each of the last two seasons, which is a promising trend. He now needs to match this ability to create with performing it more frequently in point guard movements.
The most encouraging aspect is that having a diverse offensive player like Kristaps Porzingis on the court this season can help Tatum develop as a playmaker.
The Boston Celtics’ potential is limitless if Jayson Tatum excels as point guard.
The Boston Celtics would be more versatile than any other club in the Association if Tatum were to practice alongside Derrick White at the 1. For all 29 of the starting point guards, No. 0 is a true nightmare matchup, and Tatum can compete defensively with just about anyone.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason ceiling in 2020 appears to be comparable to that of such a Celtics team. LeBron James played point guard exclusively for that team, giving the Lakers three wings and two big men in the frontcourt.
The Cs are designed to accommodate that caliber of skill and show positionless basketball to the rest of the basketball-watching world in 2023–24. By taking advantage of Payton Pritchard and Malcolm Brogdon in the second unit, Tatum may benefit Jordan Walsh, Oshae Brissett, and Dalano Banton.
Tatum understands his new responsibilities, and Boston’s aspirations for Banner 18 are not out of line.
