In his return to the Boston Celtics' lineup this NBA season, Jayson Tatum has been making waves with his performance. Over five games, Tatum is putting up averages of 20 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in just under 30 minutes per game.
He's already notched a couple of double-doubles, and the Celtics are thriving with a 4-1 record in these contests. The transition back onto the court alongside Jaylen Brown and the rest of the team seems smooth.
However, despite these promising numbers, Tatum is grappling with some shooting struggles. He's hitting only 40.9% of his shots and a mere 27.1% from beyond the arc.
It's clear that his shooting rhythm isn't fully back yet. This was evident in the recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where he managed just 4-of-14 from three-point range.
His best performance from deep since his return was against the Dallas Mavericks, with a 3-for-8 showing.
These shooting woes aren't entirely unexpected given his recent return from a significant injury. It's impressive that he's performing at this level, but it's apparent that he's not yet at full strength. While the Celtics are legitimate contenders with Tatum back, his current form might not be enough to secure a championship this season.
Historically, Tatum has never been a lights-out three-point shooter, maintaining a career average of 36.3% from deep. Yet, the three-point shot is integral to his game, and his current struggles from long range present a challenge for both him and the Celtics.
There is optimism, though, that Tatum will regain his form sooner than anticipated. The general expectation was that he would need a full season to return to peak condition, but there's a sense that he'll be ready to dominate by next fall.
Tatum, who spent a season at Duke before being drafted third overall by the Celtics in 2017, has established himself as one of the premier talents in the league. He played a crucial role in leading Boston to a championship in 2024, and fans are eager to see him back at his best.