Referring to my title question, I thought projecting Jayson Tatum into Kevin Durant territory, particularly after Kevin's explosion last night (51 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists), was pure fantasy. Then I checked their fifth-season stats:
Durant: 28.0 PPG - 8.0 RPG - 3.5 APG - 1.3 SPG - 1.2 BPG
Tatum: 25.6 PPG - 8.7 RPG - 3.6 APG - 1.1 SPG - 0.7 BPG
The difference comes in their shooting percentages. In his fifth season, Durant hit 50% of his field goals and 39% of his treys. Tatum this season? He registers at 41% from the field and 33% from 3-point land.
The shooting-efficiency numbers for Boston's star have started to rise. Improved offensive efficiency and honing of his point guard skills - a la Kevin Durant - would benefit Tatum's standing in the League and his team's fortunes going forward.
Another major test for Tatum comes tonight when the 10th-place (Eastern Conference) Celtics take on the 2nd-place Bucks. Jaylen Brown is due back on the court, so less defensive focus should be on Jayson. A win by Boston would bring them back to .500 basketball.
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