In basketball lore, Jayson Tatum’s pre-draft workout for the Phoenix Suns remains a fascinating yet somewhat contentious topic. According to sources, Tatum’s shooting display was so impressive that Robert Sarver, the former owner of the Suns, interrupted the session. Sarver insisted they explore Tatum’s capabilities beyond just shooting, posing a question to Tatum’s trainer, Drew Hanlen, asking, ‘What else can he do?’ This moment encapsulated the tension and expectations surrounding Tatum’s potential as an NBA star. A plethora of comments from basketball enthusiasts reveal the mixed sentiments about Sarver’s actions, the Suns’ past decisions, and what it means in hindsight for the Lakers, who passed on Tatum to draft Lonzo Ball. The conversation stirred on social media paints a vivid picture of regret, opportunity missed, and a little bit of humor along the way.
Summary
- Jayson Tatum’s pre-draft workout drew the attention of former Suns owner Robert Sarver, who interjected to assess Tatum’s overall skill set.
- The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with fans reflecting on both the Suns’ and Lakers’ draft decisions.
- Many discussions revolve around the missed opportunity for Phoenix and the doubts surrounding the Lakers’ earlier selections.
- Forum users provide humorous and insightful takes on the whole saga, including Sarver’s infamous decision to pick Deandre Ayton over Luka Dončić.
A Bold Workout Performance
Tatum’s performance during that fateful Suns workout sparked awe and intrigue. His shot-making was remarkable, reportedly pushing Sarver and the team’s staff to request a deeper evaluation of his skills. Drew Hanlen, Tatum’s trainer, shared a candid moment from the session, humorously recalling his reaction to Sarver’s request: ‘I literally go, ‘Fuck him. We got our workout.’ This highlights not just the confidence Tatum possessed at the time, but the high expectations he and his team had for his performance. Looking back now, it’s easy to see how Tatum’s captivating shooting display could lead to great anticipation, yet it also set the stage for criticism against teams who failed to select him.”
What Went Wrong for the Suns?
For the Suns, it’s a classic case of “what could have been.” Many fans on social media lament the moment Sarver downplayed Tatum’s incredible talent by focusing more on what he couldn’t yet demonstrate during that workout. Comments like, “It doesn’t make sense the Lakers didn’t even check out Tatum,” resonate heavily among basketball aficionados, especially considering Tatum’s current superstar status. There’s a blend of disbelief and humor as users chime in, reminding us that the “one team who didn’t” (i.e., the Lakers) emerged from this situation with their own questioning hindsight. It begs the overarching question: How did the Suns not see the potential legacy in front of them?”
The Lakers and the Lonzo Ball Decision
Venturing into the Lakers’ decision to draft Lonzo Ball instead of Tatum creates another layer of debate. While some fans argue it wasn’t a terrible call at the time, given Lonzo’s own potential, the current outcomes paint a contrasting picture. A user noted, “It’s hard to fault [the Lakers] too much,” alluding to how Lonzo was traded to New Orleans and helped the franchise secure a championship. Ultimately, the lingering what-if scenarios continue to haunt fans. “Well, seeing Tatum went before the Suns pick, I mean it’s a moot point,” quipped one user, hinting at the absurdity of discussing the missed opportunity at this stage. The mixed sentiments between recognizing the Lakers’ choice while still grieving the loss of Tatum seem to ignite lively discussions about competitive drafts.”
Sarver’s Controversial Legacy
Robert Sarver has certainly not been without controversy, and this incident fuels the fire of his suspect decision-making during his tenure with the Suns. In one comment, a user chimed in with a bold statement, “Racist cheapass—Fuck Sarver,” which certainly reflects the deep-seated frustration amongst fans towards his leadership choices. With past blunders, including opting for Ayton over Luka in the draft, Sarver’s legacy continues to evoke strong emotions. Additionally, the remarks that it was ‘not an unreasonable request’ for Sarver to ask for more than jump shots sheds light on the complexity of the eval period and the pressures owners face. Maybe the true controversy lies in the fact that the franchise’s direction seemed cloudy, and Sarver’s input only added fuel to the fire of skepticism surrounding his decisions.
As the basketball world reflects on Jayson Tatum’s pre-draft journey, it reveals a tapestry of missed opportunities and divided opinions among fans and analysts alike. Jayson Tatum’s status as a superstar now seems like an emblem of what could have materialized had the Suns and the Lakers acted differently in that fateful draft. The interjection by Sarver serves as a poignant reminder of how one moment can hold such broader ramifications. Whether celebrating Tatum’s rise or critiquing team decisions, it’s hard not to giggle at the irony of how a single shooter’s workout could become a rich source of allusions, laughter, and maybe a bit of pain for franchises that overlooked a talent of Tatum’s caliber.