In 2017, the NBA draft became a pivotal moment in the storied rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Jayson Tatum, then considered a consensus No. 3 pick, found himself at the heart of this intense chapter. The Celtics selected Tatum with the No. 3 pick, while the Lakers, holding the No. 2 pick, opted for Lonzo Ball. This decision by the Lakers sparked intrigue and speculation about what could have been if they had chosen Tatum instead.
Tatum's pre-draft journey included a workout with the Lakers, where his performance caught the attention of many. His agent, Bill Duffy, engaged in discussions with the Lakers' front office to gauge their interest in Tatum. Despite these talks, the Lakers had seemingly predetermined their choice of Ball, a decision they publicly denied but one that sources close to the team confirmed. This choice left Tatum feeling overlooked by the franchise he admired growing up.
The Lakers' decision to select Ball was reportedly influenced by a desire to bolster fan engagement with a high-profile local talent. Tatum's trainer, Drew Hanlen, expressed confidence that Tatum would have signed with the Lakers if given the opportunity. However, Tatum's destiny lay elsewhere.
During his pre-draft workouts, Tatum showcased remarkable shooting prowess. At the Phoenix Suns' facility, he dazzled by making 43 out of 50 shots from the left corner. A Suns source described his performance as akin to "pop-a-shot," highlighting its rarity even among elite NBA players.
"He starts in the left corner and it's like pop-a-shot. It's unbelievable," – Suns source
"It's like Jayson Tatum, 'bing, bing, bing.' Right after another. And we're sitting there saying, 'Holy s
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