Jayson Tatum made 10-of-38 3-point attempts in the NBA Finals.
It might not be pretty, but it’s the truth.
He followed that up with a lackluster 0% (0/4) 3-point shooting percentage in the group stages and tournament section of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Something had to change. Enter Drew Hanlen, Jayson Tatum‘s longtime trainer.
In response to a question from Celtics CLNS correspondent Bob Manning, Tatum explained that he had been working with trainer Drew Hanlen “a lot” over the summer to improve his jump shot.
He mentioned “pick-up points, hand placement, getting lower, keeping [his] shoulders forward and things like that,” as specific aspects he needed to refine.
124 days removed from his lackluster Finals 3-point shooting display, Tatum’s goal for the new season is simple:
“I should continue to keep getting better.”
https://twitter.com/nbcsceltics/status/1838626953743434011?s=61
Words are great, but Celtics fans have real reasons to be excited, and the film shows why. Tatum shot 39% from 3 in the preseason. Not only was his jump shot quicker, more precise, and more consistent, but his improved percentage was on a volume of nine 3-point attempts a game.
Check out this comparison of his 3-point jump shot last year versus this year:
https://twitter.com/celticsunite18/status/1846644265205862885?s=61
The difference is night and day. Tatum’s hitch is gone, and his 3-point shot releases faster– two factors that posed challenges during the Finals. If Tatum can get even better in the off-season, it’s hard to imagine any obstacle that could stand in the way of the Celtics as they pursue a repeat championship.
The Celtics kick off their season in just two days. Good luck, NBA.
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