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A Way-Too-Early, Scouting Report on Duke's Jayson Tatum

I've seen exactly one game of Jayson Tatum, but there's nothing like overly premature scouting reports for the NBA Draft:

  • He already has a strong body and a will to rebound, both offensively and defensively. His first defensive position, he had a solid box-out, defensive rebound, and quick lead pass. He still needs to learn where to position for rebounds, often times committing to a box-out directly underneath the basket.
  • He seems a little raw around the rim. He didn't go up strong on a dump off, and his shot got swatted. He also threw up a couple floaters that lacked touch.
  • This is irrelevant, but Frank Jackson looks like Bruno Mars, if he were in that one Fresh Prince episode in the country club.
  • His post game is very refined for his age, especially his footwork, which allows him take advantage of his athleticism. He may be a little too reliant on his speed against bigger defenders in the post, which he'll need to work on for the NBA, where he'll be defended by athletic equivalents.
  • He seems to be reluctant to shoot open jumpers, which makes sense for players who've relied on athleticism and rim runs to score their entire life. But his stroke doesn't look broken - probably just a confidence issue.
  • Luke Kennard may have sneaky upside as an NBA prospect. He's got a quick enough release to be a catch-and-shoot, and if he tightens his handle, he could be a secondary slasher and playmaker off curls. Very poor man's Klay Thompson, maybe, or what people hoped Nik Stauskas would pan out to be.
  • Last note on Taytum - he's got quick hands. Both on catches and when defending, especially weaker ball-handlers. He has the sense to slap down on players who haven't secured the ball tightly in triple threat.

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