76ers' Draft History: Did They Draft Jayson Tatum?

Hey sports fanatics, let's dive into a classic hoops question: Did the Philadelphia 76ers draft Jayson Tatum? It's a query that often pops up in NBA conversations, especially when discussing draft blunders or what-ifs. Tatum, now a superstar with the Boston Celtics, has been a dominant force in the league. So, it's totally understandable why Sixers fans, and basketball enthusiasts in general, might wonder if their team ever had a shot at drafting this talented player. As we explore the 76ers' draft history, we'll uncover the truth behind this intriguing question, examining the draft year, the picks made, and how things played out for both the Sixers and Tatum. Get ready to journey back in time, analyze some draft decisions, and maybe even shed a tear or two about what could have been! We'll look at the context of the draft, the players selected, and how Tatum's career has unfolded, painting a clear picture of whether or not the Sixers ever had the chance to call him their own.

The 2017 NBA Draft: A Look Back

Alright, guys, let's rewind to the 2017 NBA Draft. This was a draft class loaded with talent, and the buzz surrounding the top prospects was intense. Markelle Fultz was widely considered the consensus number one pick, and the Sixers, holding the third overall pick, were in a prime position to add a promising young player to their roster. Before we get into whether or not Jayson Tatum was a possibility, let's remember the overall landscape of that draft. Lonzo Ball, De'Aaron Fox, and Josh Jackson were other highly touted players. The Sixers were in a rebuilding phase, attempting to build a solid foundation through the draft and developing young talent. The strategy of accumulating high draft picks was in full swing, and every decision carried significant weight for the franchise's future. The 2017 draft class promised to reshape several teams, and the Sixers were eager to make a selection that would complement their core players and elevate their competitiveness. The pressure was on the team's management, with the hopes of the fans hanging in the balance, to select a player who could contribute to the team's long-term success. Drafting the right player was crucial, given the strategic importance of this draft and its potential impact on the team's future.

Now, let's talk about the specific picks made in the 2017 draft. The Boston Celtics, holding the number one overall pick, selected Markelle Fultz. However, the Sixers were not able to pick Tatum. The Los Angeles Lakers, who held the second pick, chose Lonzo Ball. The Philadelphia 76ers, with the third overall pick, selected Markelle Fultz. Yes, you heard it right! The Sixers went with Fultz, hoping he would become the missing piece of their puzzle alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The draft night, however, had some twists and turns. Fultz had been a highly touted prospect, but the decision to pick him over other talents would be a topic of discussion for years to come. In essence, the Sixers opted for Fultz, and that choice directly impacted whether they could have drafted Jayson Tatum.

Where Did Jayson Tatum Get Drafted?

So, where did Jayson Tatum end up? The Boston Celtics selected Jayson Tatum with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. This move was huge for the Celtics, as they saw Tatum as a cornerstone piece to build their future around. Now, considering the Celtics' selection, the Sixers had no chance of getting Tatum in that draft. The Celtics' selection of Tatum was a game-changer for their franchise. Tatum's arrival quickly made an impact, bringing an immediate scoring punch and demonstrating a knack for clutch performances. His ability to score and his potential were evident from the start, making him an excellent choice for Boston. Imagine a duo of Tatum and Embiid in Philly! It would have been amazing. The pick would prove to be a masterstroke for Boston, solidifying their status as contenders in the Eastern Conference for years to come. Tatum's success in Boston made the pick an even more significant one, given how he has performed for the Celtics.

The Aftermath and What Could Have Been

Fast forward to today, and Jayson Tatum has blossomed into one of the NBA's premier players. He's a multiple-time All-Star, a scoring machine, and a key figure in the Celtics' championship aspirations. It's safe to say he's become a bonafide superstar. The success of Tatum in Boston led to constant discussion among Sixers fans about what could have been. The Sixers drafted Markelle Fultz, who struggled with injuries and never quite lived up to the hype. Fultz, unfortunately, faced several issues that hampered his development and impact on the team. Considering the path of Tatum's career, it's natural to wonder about the alternate reality where he was playing alongside Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. The potential of a Tatum-Embiid pairing in Philadelphia is a tantalizing thought for Sixers fans. It's easy to picture the explosive scoring, the defensive versatility, and the potential for deep playoff runs. The idea of Tatum in a Sixers uniform, contributing to a team already featuring Embiid and Simmons, is certainly an intriguing one, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the draft and the long-term impact of each decision.

It is important to acknowledge that the draft is never a perfect science. Scouting reports, team needs, and player development can all affect how a draft pick pans out. The Sixers' front office made a decision based on the information available at the time, and hindsight is always 20/20. The selection of Fultz was a gamble, and it didn't pay off as hoped. Tatum's rise to stardom only amplified the what-if scenarios, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between hope and disappointment that draft night can bring. Despite the disappointment, Sixers fans have witnessed Embiid's emergence as an MVP-caliber player. They have also witnessed the evolution of the team to become a playoff contender. While the past cannot be changed, the focus remains on the future.

Final Thoughts

So, to answer the question: No, the Philadelphia 76ers did not draft Jayson Tatum. The Celtics beat them to the punch in the 2017 draft. Instead, the Sixers selected Markelle Fultz with the third overall pick. It's a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the draft and the ripple effects of each decision. The 2017 draft class will be remembered for its talent, and Tatum is undoubtedly a top player from that year. Although the Sixers did not select Tatum, the team continues to strive for success in the NBA. They continue to be a team that always has a bright future. The focus now is on building a winning team and competing for championships. The story of the 2017 draft will always be a part of Sixers history, teaching valuable lessons about the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft process. For Sixers fans, the