Three Leaf Clover: A comment on Jaden Springer and an X-Jay vision

Three Leaf Clover: A comment on Jaden Springer and an X-Jay vision

Tillman can pass, Tatum makes the pull-up, and Springer is genuinely motivated to win.

The best time of year is during trade. More cities are being visited by second round picks than by Taylor Swift. Woj and Shams are competing to see who can break the next trade, which involves a guy who will be bought out right away. You should certainly check out the First to the Floor webcast, where we had a great time—it’s simply a lot of fun. Before I discuss the two newest Celtics, Jayson Tatum reignites a past romance.

This Week’s Stat: 40.7%

I have really pleasant memories of the 2019–20 winter. That was before I learned about COVID and started experiencing the chronic neck pain that would accompany me into my mid-30s. Moreover, Jayson Tatum’s transformation from a rising young star to a rising young superstar coincided with his decimating the Clippers.

COVID caused the season to be stopped less than a month later, giving LeBron and AD plenty time to recover and win a fictitious championship at Disney World during the bubble (I’m not resentful).

Tatum’s early success was a result of a number of things, but the pull-up jumper was unquestionably one of his newfound weapons. That year, he made an absurd 40.7% of his pull-up threes on 4.7 attempts a game. In contrast, last season Steph Curry, the all-time best pull-up shooter (and it’s not even close), shot 45% on them. Tatum wasn’t quite Curry that season, but he wasn’t far behind.

And then the pull-up jumper began to dribble away, like my son attempting to devour an ice cream cone. From 38.5% in the ill-fated 2020–21 season to 35.1% in 21–22, with 35% being the lowest point the previous season. Still good, but not a weapon that can overcome defenses.

Well, the pull-up has returned in full as of January 1. Since the beginning of the year, his percentage on all pull-up threes is 40.7%. Although that is superstar material, it also raises questions about pull-ups in general. Usually, it’s not a major offense. Tatum is one of the league’s most effective post players, but he also has to have that shot under his belt if a team is down big against his pick-and-rolls. When he attacks the rim aggressively and kicks out when assistance arrives, he can also carry an entire offense. It’s crucial that Tatum discovers the pull-up again, but it’s even more crucial that he knows when to use it.

OOOhhhhssss and X (Avier Tillman): X is going to deliver it to you (your top players).

a headline that flows naturally and is not at all difficult to read. Luke Kornet is someone I recently complimented on his ability to play inside the offense and make wise choices. It’s a way for an offensive big man who isn’t intimidating to help achieve that goal. The recently acquired Xavier Tillman has a shorter, wider build and the similar skill set.

Although Tillman’s dismal TS% of 44% this season—a significant decrease from last year and undoubtedly a result of the squad around him—he is a competent player who understands his position. In a minimal usage role, he’s averaging 2.9 assists every 36 minutes.

He is at ease making several choices within a single possession and reading the handoff game. He takes a dribble here and drops a great dime to a cutter.

Or this place, where he works with Desmond Bane before floating into the open area to prevent Bane from being imprisoned.

He will never overwhelm you with his offensive prowess. He lacks Rob Williams’s vertical leaping ability and Al Horford’s pick-and-pop ability. But in this Celtics offense, where he can take advantage of the Jays’ focus to make the perfect play, his decision-making skills will really shine. When his teammates need aid or doubles, he is a reliable source of support and appears at the appropriate times.

Tillman’s X-Jay vision is going to grow gradually, and I can’t wait to see how beautiful it will appear when he finds the Jays.

Here’s one more play taken out of context since I can’t let this section end on such a bad note.

Weekly Non-Basketball Topic: Jaden Springer and remaining in the NBA

Sorry, but Jaden Springer hasn’t exactly exploded into the NBA. He’s had to make amends. After rising through the ranks of the G-League, he shown sufficient skill to earn what we initially believed to be a deep bench position with the Sixers. And now he’s a Celtic, for whatever reason.

While I can’t claim to have followed every second of Springer’s career, I did follow him during his draft and have seen him play for the Sixers on occasion. Immediately, one thing becomes apparent: the guy truly cares about winning. While there are many unanswered concerns regarding Springer’s game, persistence and effort are not among them. When it comes to desire, he is far more like Aaron Nesmith than Romeo Langford.

I have no idea how this Springer trade will pan out, and considering how little the Cs gave up, it really doesn’t matter all that much. However, I do know that Springer will make the most of this trade. Though not as pure an attacking fit as Pritchard, he’s still. has a lot more potential and skill than the majority of fourth guards in the league. Brad will make an effort even if his wager on Springer doesn’t turn out to be successful.