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The Boston Celtics swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Playoffs. They were led by 22-year-old young star Jayson Tatum, who averaged 27 points and almost 10 rebounds against Philly. He also shot an impressive 45% from the three-point line in the series.

Tatum has been a star before he entered the league. While speaking to NBA insider Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, former second overall pick and NBA analyst Jay Williams shared a story from Tatum’s Duke days.

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“Four years ago, he was a freshman in college, coming in at Duke,” Williams said. “Jabari Parker was doing his thing in the league around that time with Milwaukee. I watched JT give (Parker) the business for an hour straight.  I’m not talking about college moves. I’m talking about the same moves he’s doing right now. He was doing as a 17-year-old. I remember walking away (saying) this dude is special.”

Williams believes Jayson Tatum has a bright future

Tatum has been on fire in the Bubble. His impressive performances, despite being just 22, will ensure him a place in future MVP conversations according to Williams. He also compared Tatum to another superstar who emerged from Duke in Grant Hill.

He said, “The way he was playing before the pandemic, the way he’s playing right now, he’s going to be in MVP conversations in years to come. He may be one of the best players we will ever have that has donned a Duke uniform. He’s not that athletic, but his skill set reminds of Grant Hill.”

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Eligible for a max extension next season, Tatum is doing everything to prove he is worth one. Along with Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker, he is leading the Celtics to a dominant playoff run. Although it was just a weak 76ers team to start, they will now be facing opponents of similar caliber in the Toronto Raptors.

Tatum has come a long way from being known for his poster on LeBron James as a rookie to solidifying his name as one of the most consistent players in the league. He will be a force to be reckoned with for the years to come.

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