Jayson Tatum’s CTC appearance creates more questions than answers
DURHAM – When it was darkest in Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke snuck two important people behind its home bench.
Amile Jefferson and Deuce Tatum were ushered in with little fanfare. The reason for their presence — if not already a giveaway — became apparent a few minutes later.
“There’s one more person we forgot to introduce,” coach Jon Scheyer said after every player had their introduction.
“I think you guys know (him), he’s going to helping us this year. Let’s give it up for Jayson Tatum.”
That set off the loudest cheer of Countdown to Craziness. The six-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA first-team selection emerged from a corner of the court to bedlam.
Duke’s preseason event ended with the Blue-White Game, which was won by Blue Team, 34-24. Isaiah Evans led all scorers with nine points.
Tatum’s involvement with Duke — the extent, any title or duration — are now unanswered questions. For all anybody knows, he could be a temporary coach; Duke is entering the season with only four assistant coaches.
Perhaps more likely, Tatum is in a ceremonial role. He sat next to Scheyer during the scrimmage, nearby 5-star recruits Jordan Smith Jr. and Cam Williams.
Duke did not make players or Scheyer available to the media after the scrimmage.
A Duke spokesperson had no clarification on Scheyer’s meaning that Tatum would be “helping us.”
Tatum, 27, isn’t going to play for at least the majority of the upcoming NBA season because of a torn Achilles suffered in May.
Jefferson is entering his third season on the Boston Celtics staff.
