Jayson Tatum‘s isolation game is aging like fine wine and gets better each season.
When the Boston Celtics drafted Tatum third in the 2017 NBA Draft, expectations skyrocketed. The former Duke star quickly became the face of the team due to his variation in scoring.
One method that gets overlooked amongst his other qualities is his success in isolation. The 26-year-old has generated 7.1 points in isolation this season, behind only James Harden and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
A crucial component of that figure is his evolving basketball IQ. Before, he attacked defenders with the same skill set. Now, he recognizes mismatches, which results in more buckets and fewer turnovers.
Tatum’s turnover frequency in 1v1 situations was 7.5% during last season. To punish opponents, he trimmed that down to 6.0% this season.
Jayson Tatum’s isolation scoring has been filthy to start the season…
Much ink has been spilled lamenting Tatum’s penchant for ISO, but props must be given. He looks extremely smooth, under control, big/fast/strong, and the shot looks pure! Early data returns back it up. pic.twitter.com/M6KVGa2Lht
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 8, 2024
The Celtics’ forward doesn’t need much space to score points. His signature step-back jumper or ability to knock down a triple ensures his moves are lethal to any defender.
He has excellent footwork but prefers to slow down the pace. Once he plants his feet, he pivots or spins to get opponents on the wrong side and accelerates to the rim.
If his defenders are still close, he remains patient and persistent. A legal push-off or shimmy creates added separation, enabling him to get his shot off.
Tatum doesn’t get as many isolation chances as other stars because Joe Mazzulla prefers to move the ball. Still, he racked up 250 points on 215 possessions, and the season is almost halfway over.
Tatum’s isolation game has come a long way from his slump many seasons ago.
Of the 95 players in the NBA that ran at least 100 isolation plays Jayson Tatum ranks 95th of 95.#Celtics
— David Locke (@DLocke09) May 1, 2019
Finding a better isolation player than Boston’s number zero is difficult. He has an innate ability not to get thrown off when others apply intense pressure.
He embraces physicality in every situation and has a league-high 1.16 points per possession. His teammates play a pivotal role in his increasing figures.
The other four Celtics work to create space. Oftentimes, they overload one side of the court.
When that plan doesn’t work, simple screens prevent help defense.
People don't talk enough about the fact that Jayson Tatum is having the best isolation offense season in the entire NBA
200 isos (3rd most behind Harden & SGA)
1.20 PPP (Harden and SGA are no higher than 1.06)
47.6% FG% (highest of the top 3 most isos)
51% score frequency… https://t.co/QtPo8ExVld— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) January 7, 2025
As Jayson Tatum’s ascension in Celtics history continues, he is slowly establishing his legacy as one of the NBA’s most prolific isolation scorers.
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