Lakers: Where do Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma rank among the top 10 rookies?

5. Jayson Tatum

• 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.9 steals

Jayson Tatum was the guy I originally had as the sixth-best rookie, then switching with Markkanen before completing this article.

While on paper Markkanen may have the edge with better scoring and better rebounds, the overall impact that Tatum has had for the Boston Celtics has outweighed what Markkanen has done on the Bulls. Plus, Tatum is also playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Al Horford. Put Tatum on the Bulls and I am sure he could at least match Markkanen’s production.

Tatum has been a big factor in the Boston Celtics’ ability to thrive without Gordon Hayward. After Hayward suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the season, the Celtics’ chance of being a true title contender was questioned. However, genius Brad Stevens has put his team in a spot to succeed, in large part due to the success of Jayson Tatum.

Tatum contributes in all facets of the game for the Boston Celtics. He can go off on a night if need be and score 20+ points. Or, he can let his defense and rebounding do the talking while Kyrie Irving gets hot and puts the team on his back.

If the Celtics were to draft, let’s say, Josh Jackson, the team would have been in a worse state after losing Hayward.