When a coach like the San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich praises a prospect, it’s for good reason.
The famously taciturn coach had a chance to work with Boston Celtics swingman Jayson Tatum over the summer as the Duke product was one of four Celtics to play for Team USA in FIBA World Cup play in August and September, and came away impressed by the third-year player’s defense.
A coveted prospect coming out of the NCAA ranks due to his well-rounded offensive game, Tatum has improved his abilities prodigiously on the other side of the ball over the last two seasons, and Popovich took note, working with the young forward to become a better defender.
“Let’s just say that Jayson’s probably surprised at the attention I gave him defensively,” Popovich said ahead of the team’s Jan. 8 loss to the Spurs (via NBC Sports Boston’s Justin Leger).
“But he responded magnificently and as I said, unfortunately got hurt just when I think he was understanding exactly how good a player he can be if he added that to his game. There aren’t that many two-way players in the league — genuine.”
“Some think they are, but you can count them on one hand. And he’s got the possibility to be one of those,” added Popovich.
While much of the attention on Tatum’s development has rightfully been focused on the steps forward he’s taken as a scorer, the former Blue Devil has been playing some of the best defense of his career to go with logging 20.8 points, 6.9 boards and 2.8 assists per game.
The Missouri native is in range of getting his first NBA All-star nod as a result, with Tatum’s leap on both ends of the court no small part of Boston’s unexpectedly strong season to date — recent slide aside.
