NBA analyst believes Jayson Tatum, Celtics have been ‘over-scrutinized’
"He gets beat up like this dude just doesn't show up," Tim Legler said. "And it's just not fair. That's just not fair when you look at it."
As the Celtics have embarked on another deep postseason run, much of the national discourse surrounding the team has had a negative spin.
In particular, NBA analysts have criticized Celtics forward Jayson Tatum for his perceived inconsistent play. While Tatum’s shooting splits have certainly wavered, he’s averaging 25.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and has helped steer the Celtics to a 10-2 record in the playoffs.
ESPN analyst Tim Legler believes Tatum has been unfairly judged for his overall play. Speaking with JJ Redick on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast, Legler used the term “over-scrutinized” to discuss the narrative enveloping Tatum.
Legler mentioned that, on a show, he was asked to finish a sentence: “Jayson Tatum, in the playoffs, has been …” Legler finished the sentence ” … better than he’s given credit for.”
Legler noted that Tatum has averaged 25-plus points five straight years in the playoffs, five-plus assists four times in those five years, and 10-plus rebounds three times during that span.
“That’s legit big-time numbers,” Legler said.
Legler acknowledged that his shooting percentages have come down, calling that a “fair criticism.” Tatum is shooting 43.6 percent from the field after hitting 45.8 percent of his shots last year. He’s also at 26.6 percent from 3-point range — by far his lowest mark ever in the playoffs.
Redick agreed that if one is going to nit-pick with Tatum, the area to do so would be with his jump shooting in the postseason.
“That’s not a narrative,” Redick said. “That’s a fact.”
Legler agreed, then continued to back Tatum.
“He gets beat up like this dude just doesn’t show up,” Legler said. “And it’s just not fair. That’s just not fair when you look at it.”
Legler said Tatum has had some rough nights, but he also tends to bounce back and “flick that switch.” He referenced the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the 76ers last year, when Tatum hit some timely shots to cap a 5-for-21 night in Game 6, then dropped 51 in a Game 7 beatdown.
“Overal, in general, I think it’s over-scrutinized,” Legler said. “Their team, in general, is over-scrutinized.”
Legler credited the Celtics for responding to adversity, then noted that the “ultimate challenge” will come against a high-level opponent in the NBA Finals.
He expects it to be a long series and a “totally different challenge,” adding that he’ll remember this team based on its Finals performance.
“That, to me, is ultimately what I’m basing this entire season on for the Celtics,” Legler said.
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