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NBA Draft 2017: 5 best fits for Jayson Tatum

By Trevor Magnotti

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks over North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks over North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dallas Mavericks (No. 9 overall pick)

While not the best situation for Tatum monetarily, slipping past the Timberwolves, who already have a ball-dominant wing scorer in Andrew Wiggins, and the New York Knicks, who have Carmelo Anthony and the host of problems that come with the organization, is not a bad thing. If Orlando passes on him at six, Dallas is the next best fit.

There are some fit concerns with Barnes and Tatum playing together, as the two both have similar issues in playing as a small-ball four. However, Barnes has proven to be a capable catch-and-shoot wing, even if it was on the Warriors, and it’s not a real leap to see how they both could operate for stretches as a three/four combo that presents potential mismatches, as both can operate on-ball. If Tatum’s 3-point shooting continues to progress, the Mavs could suddenly have two capable wing scorers who can defend well on the perimeter, rebound, and present spot-up threats. That’s not a bad situation.

Of course, that’s assuming that Dallas can retain Nerlens Noel this summer, and that he continues to grow into a threatening rim protector. Both Barnes and Tatum will probably be able to spend time at the four, but neither can play down a position, and that’s investing a lot in a roster that’s going to have major problems against two-big lineups. Dallas would need to find a top-notch defensive center to make this work. Small-ball is good, but you don’t want to be forced to play small in order to get your best players on the floor.

Still, this would be a pick to get more offensive power, and in a way it could be a hedge against the Harrison Barnes experiment. If Tatum is able to slide into some of Dirk Nowitzki’s offensive usage when he finally retires, that could help Barnes be more effective. It’s a lot to ask, but if available, Tatum is the best player on the board to fit that need. And even if Tatum never hits his ceiling, he could still be a beneficial rotation piece, adding a pick-and-roll threat off the bench, or making those combinations with Barnes in the frontcourt an effective bench lineup.

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