Over the last four seasons SIU fans have had the opportunity to watch the evolution of Jamaal Tatum. JT was one of the best players in Saluki history- 4 NCAA Tourneys, MVC Player of the Year, and a Sweet 16. Not bad.
So the question is "Whats next for Jamaal Tatum?" There is no doubt that JT will be playing basketball for a paycheck next year the only debate is which league he will play in. Recent Salukis Rolen Roberts and Darren Brooks, and Kent Williams flirted with the NBA after leaving SIU. Roberts played in the NBA's summer league and Darren Brooks played 22 games in the "D" league before taking a full time gig overseas.
Lets look at Tatum's strengths and weaknesses in relation to the NBA Draft.
Strengths-
Defensive ability- JT can move his feet with the quickest of guards. His speed will be an asset.
Scoring ability- JT will not be asked to score much in the NBA but he has the range to hit the open NBA three if he needs to. His fadeway shot will come in handy when going up against taller guards.
Weaknesses-
Learning a new position- Jamaal played mostly shooting guard for SIU and learning to play PG while making the transition to pro ball will be no easy task. Tatum was the number one scorer for the Salukis the last two years, now he has to keep an NBA shooting guard happy (read: give him the ball all the time).
The size disadvantage- JT has a very thin frame and would be well served to add a few pounds this summer. Not only are NBA guards stronger but taller as well and Tatum will have an uphill battle to get NBA teams to take a chance on him over a player with a "NBA Body"
Outlook-
The next few months will be huge for Tatum as he plays in various summer leagues with NBA scouts keeping a close eye on his progress. The Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, or Milwaukee Bucks could be looking at taking a backup point guard late in the second round but unless he is able to dazzle scouts with his PG play this summer its unlikely he will be chosen. Why would a team want to use a draft pick on a player who they could sign as a free agent?
If JT does get passed over in the June Draft the Magic, Bucks, or another team could still come calling and sign him as a free agent. If the NBA does not not work out Jamaal can follow his Saluki brethren overseas. Expect to see JT do what he always does, outwork his opponents all summer long. Look for Jamaal to start the year with an NBA Developmental League team in Fall 2007 and if an NBA team has a need at point guard he could get a crack at a backup position at some point during the 07-08 season.
