Paul Pierce: Jayson Tatum is ‘an older version of me’
A popular player comparison for Boston Celtics rookie forward Jayson Tatum is none other than C’s legend Paul Pierce, and The Truth himself believes it.
In an interview Thursday with A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England, the retired 10-time All-Star discussed the similarities between Tatum and himself.
“He looks like an older version of me, when I started doing the step-back and stuff,” said Pierce of the Duke product. “When I’m watching him, he looks like a mature version of my game, like sixth, seventh, eighth year. He sees the defense. He knows what’s going to happen before it happens. He understands his position, footwork, his step-back [jumper] is there. His offensive repertoire seems complete. The sky is the limit for that kid.”
The 19-year-old Tatum, who went No. 3 overall to Boston in this year’s draft, has been lauded for his fundamental scoring skills and his overall offensive maturity, attributes that Pierce was known for during his 19-year career. The former Finals MVP was in favor of the team’s decision to trade down for the pick that they ultimately selected Tatum with, and it sounds like he’s rooting for the youngster to become his heir apparent as the next great Celtic forward.
