Power Ranking Jayson Tatum's Team USA Recruiting Assignments

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If NBA history has taught us anything, it's the major shit goes down when Team USA gets together for the Olympics. We've all heard the stories about how the Heat super team idea first started way back in the summer of 2006 when LeBron/Wade/Bosh were together

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and looking back in history you can be certain of a few things. The first being a future MVP/title winner is going to come from that roster. From Kobe (2008), to LeBron (2012), to Steph (2015, FIBA), Durant also won his MVP a few years after playing on the 2012 team as well. This isn't surprising since the best players in the league tend to play on Team USA, but it's something to keep in mind.

We then factor in that we've seen guys partner up after playing together on Team USA. You have the Heat Big 3, then there was Love/LeBron teaming up, KD and Harden/Kyrie, LeBron and AD. Notice a theme there? LeBron recruits better than anyone ever has before. It's extremely important in today's NBA. 

So now you look at this year's official roster

You can take it to the bank that one or more players will soon be finding a way to get out of their current deal and join forces with another player on this list. I care about this for one reason and one reason only. It's time for Jayson Tatum to execute his recruiting assignment. It's one thing to put up All NBA production and play your way into being a top 10-15 type player on the floor. The other half of that coin is having the type of status in the league that can convince other elite players to come join you. Deep down, that's what every Celtics fan is hoping Tatum is able to do. Boston is not some sort of hotbed free agent destination. It requires their best player to be able to close the deal. Isaiah was instrumental in delivering both Al Horford and Gordon Hayward in free agency. Kyrie didn't really work out in that regard, so now that role has transitioned to Jayson Tatum. 

There are 3 clear names that Brad and Ime Udoka should have Tatum target. Some will be easier than others obviously. If I were you, I would approach this situation with the thought that the chances of anything happening are EXTREMELY small. But seeds can absolutely be planted this summer, so let's Power Rank who I want Tatum to recruit this summer.

1. Bradley Beal

This is obviously the first choice and biggest no brainer. He and Tatum are best friends, Beal could potentially hit the market in 2022 when the Celts in theory should have the money to make an attractive offer. You don't have to trade Jaylen to bring him in. Your core is Tatum/Brown/Beal, all under 30. It also helps your chances that Tatum sticks around long term. 

The issue is Tatum will probably have to convince Beal to take a bit of a paycut AND leave the only NBA franchise he's ever known. I would put Bradley Beal in the Steph/Dame (before this weekend) camp in terms of players who are extremely loyal no matter what. We've never heard a peep from Beal that he wants out or is even entertaining the thought. In fact, it's been the exact opposite. 

Of all the potential players on that list, Beal does feel the most "available" given the circumstances surrounding Tatum. 

2. Damian Lillard

Remember, recruiting on Team USA isn't about pulling something off right away. It's about planting the seed. The Heat Big 3 went like 3-4 years before they were able to team up, but the plan started much earlier.

Enter Damian Lillard.

I think it's extremely unlikely that Dame is moved this offseason. The Blazers don't have to do shit. The goal here is to find a way to get Dame to pull a Harden and demand a trade to Boston at some point in the next few seasons. With that value now lowered. maybe it potentially saves Brad from having to trade Jaylen Brown. You can see how far fetched an idea this is, but that's the plan in my opinion. Plant the seed early, see what happens. Let's not forget that Dame called Tatum before he committed to Team USA to see what Tatum was going to do. That was reported as fact. You take that seed and water it a little bit, and maybe it blooms for you down the road.

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3. Zach LaVine

If Bradley Beal doesn't work out, you know who else is a UFA in 2022? Zach LaVine. LaVine feels like the perfect guy that many might think just puts up good stats on bad teams but is actually really good. Sort of like what we are currently seeing this year with Devin Booker. Situation can be everything. His age also fits the timeline of both Tatum and Brown, and he would be a legit 3rd piece. 

I'm of the thought that LaVine has shown enough improvement as a passer to where it could potentially fit. He shoots so much because he has to. Playing next to Brown/Tatum, he could fill that facilitator role. He has good size who can also run point for you, he averaged 4.9 assists this year with the Bulls and he's a guy that looks like he's getting better and better as he enters his prime. Again, we're talking about free agent money, so you don't have to trade a major piece to potentially land him. Maybe he really likes playing next to Tatum this summer and that becomes a factor in the summer of 2022. 

Now we should also talk about the other scenario, which is one of these guys is actually able to recruit Jayson Tatum to leave Boston and join their team. I can't sit here and tell you that's not on the table. Everything is on the table when it comes to Team USA recruiting. I'm just choosing to ignore that potential reality until it actually happens. It's my blog, that's my right.

Who knows what's going to happen coming out of this year's Olympics, but something tells me there will be a day we all look back and realize that major NBA moves all point back to whatever was able to be done in Tokyo. What that is though is anybody's guess.