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Duke Basketball: Blue Devils in the 2017 Summer League

By Stuart Gill

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
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 /
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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) handles the ball against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) handles the ball against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

The first Blue Devil to be selected, Jayson Tatum will suit up for the Celtics this summer. The most notable young guys besides Tatum on Boston’s roster being Jaylen Brown and Semi Ojeleye of SMU, Tatum figures to get lots of action before his career begins.

Watch for Tatum to work on his long-range shooting and ball-handling abilities. At Duke, he played off-ball and frequently showcased his ability to get to the rim. His abilities on the wing are valuable, but will not distinguish him from other NBA players at his position.

The Celtics believe he will help them play deeper into the playoffs, and he will need to diversify his game in order to make that happen. Don’t be surprised if Tatum runs the point early and often throughout the summer. Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens will want him feeling as comfortable as possible with the ball in his hands before they hand him opportunities in the 2017-2018 NBA season. 

You can catch Tatum’s first taste of Summer League action at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBA.tv and CSN on Monday, July 3rd. Boston will be playing against an exciting Philadelphia 76ers group at the John M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, UT.

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