2017 NBA Draft: Players who were the biggest winners and losers in the draft

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Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jayson Tatum (Duke) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Jayson Tatum and his expectations

Throughout the draft process, there were rumors centered around the Boston Celtics potentially packaging a deal including the #3 overall pick to receive a superstar in return, such as Paul George or Jimmy Butler. In the end, Danny Ainge decided to keep the pick and use it on Jayson Tatum.

Although this should have no impact on Tatum’s career, it definitely will. The expectations for Tatum will be higher than normal due to the fact that he could have been traded for a star player. This is not necessarily a rational reasoning for his expectations to go up, as he was not the only part of the deal, but it will be mentioned nonetheless.

Tatum is a very NBA-ready prospect, but he is not the player who can take the Celtics to a level above the Cleveland Cavaliers. Would any realistic addition be that solution, though? Probably not. Tatum sets up Boston well to be able to contend when the reign of King James is over, but that “looking towards the future” view might upset some Celtics’ fans who think they had a shot to knock off the King.

Tatum might turn out to be a solid NBA player, but if he doesn’t, the “what if” scenario will follow him during his career.

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