Tatum relishes chance to learn more with Celtics

Duke’s Jayson Tatum answers questions during an interview after being selected by the Boston Celtics as the third pick overall during the 2017 NBA Draft. AP

Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has had to face tons of criticism throughout the week when he sent the top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to Philadelphia for the no. 3 and a future first rounder.

But on Thursday (Friday Manila time), the Celtics may have gotten exactly the prospect they coveted in the first place with Jayson Tatum coming in third in the draft proceedings.

For the Duke product, he feels honored with Ainge’s decision to go with him.

“That’s a great compliment, especially with all the great guys in this class. The two guys that went ahead of me, they’re great players, but I’m glad at how it worked out, so I’m happy,” he said.

It’s not like Tatum didn’t make a good impression in his workouts.

The 6-foot-8 small forward was urged by his Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski to give the Celtics a look, as the legendary coach hoped that his prized recruit last year will continue learning from another great tactician in Brad Stevens.

“Coach K talked to me and he was just ranting about how great of a person Brad Stevens is, and that Coach K would love the opportunity if they would pick me, and he really wanted me to go up there and work out for them. I was all for it and it worked out. I had a great time up there on my visit, and obviously they enjoyed me,” he said.

Unlike the other rookies in this class, Tatum is on a unique position as he joins a contender in a Boston squad which is fresh from making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. And as he embarks on this fresh start, all he’s hoping for is to be a great fit for the promising crew this coming season.

“It’s great. I think that I get to learn that much more, especially from a veteran team that knows what it takes to get there. I can’t wait to go and learn from coach Stevens and Isaiah Thomas and just everybody on that roster,” he said.