BOSTON – Jayson Tatum readily admits a year ago this time he had no idea what he was in for as an NBA rookie.
My how things have changed.
The anxiousness and uncertainty that most rookies experience, is no longer present when it comes to Tatum.
Instead, it has been replaced with a high level of confidence that has made Tatum one of the hotter topics of discussion in the early stages of training camp.
Tatum, who finished third in the NBA’s rookie of the year voting last season, readily admits that he’s in a different place now compared to last season.
“I’m just a lot more comfortable, more relaxed than I was last year,” Tatum told NBC Sports Boston. “I didn’t know anything last year.”
But the 20-year-old proved to be a quick learner and surprisingly durable considering he wound up playing in more games (80) than any other Celtics starter last season.
Boston Celtics
Find the latest Boston Celtics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Tatum had a strong showing in the postseason for Boston as he averaged 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 47.1 percent from the field – all numbers that were better than he delivered during the regular season.
And the play that made him one of the breakout performers in the postseason, has apparently carried over into his play of late which has drawn rave reviews from his teammates.
Terry Rozier was admittedly impressed by how Tatum played during the team’s pick-up games earlier this month.
“Last year, he got some go but you couldn’t see it all the way because of his nervousness kicking in,” Rozier said. “Even him at the beginning of the season, just being nervous. He calmed down and he’s come back this summer, he’s got that ‘I’m the man’ look. He’s been killing it. He’s looked real good.”
Tatum coming in with a need-to-learn mindset has been important in his growth and development as a player.
“It was a good way for me to get myself in the door, feel out the league and get comfortable, see what works for me,” Tatum said. “That’s something I’m trying to build off this summer.”
I asked Tatum what did he work on this summer that we might be able to see sooner rather than later this season.
“The biggest area of growth this summer was trying to get stronger,” he said. “Work on finishing around the basket, playing through contact.”
Those are among the things that a stronger Tatum can do at a high level now than previously.
My how things have changed, indeed.