Jayson Tatum Update

Here’s a bit more news on Jayson Tatum after his foot injury. We now know that his injury is a sprain and Coach K said that “[t]his is the best possible news” under the circumstances. “It is a manageable injury that will not impact Jayson long-term. We look forward to having him back very soon.”

He’ll miss the preseason which is a drag but not that big a deal. We would expect that Duke will go with Grayson Allen, Frank Jackson, Amile Jefferson, Marquese Bolden and Matt Jones.

Jones is in an odd spot because Duke needs to cultivate Jackson at the point but Jones is a superb defender and a guy who can solve a lot of problems. He’s just a solid, smart basketball player and Duke will try hard to get him on the floor.

It also may give unexpected early time to Chase Jeter and Javin DeLaurier and could boost minutes for Luke Kennard.

Of course the whole point of exhibition season is to get lots of guys looks and to try different things so in that sense, Tatum’s absence is a nice opportunity for other guys.

And that will be a good thing when Tatum, and later Harry Giles, return.