Julius Erving: 'Tatum probably should have been the 1st pick in the draft'

In an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up!" on Thursday, Dr. J had some kind words for the Boston Celtics' Dr. Jay.

"(Jayson) Tatum probably should have been the first pick in the draft," he said. "He was there. I guess it was all about the fit. We took (Markelle) Fultz. Philly took Fultz. Obviously his rookie year, I think he'll be a rookie again next year, sort of like (Ben) Simmons, because of all the injuries."

Tatum and Fultz will always be linked and compared due to the trade in which the Philadelphia 76ers traded the third pick in the 2017 draft along with a future first-rounder to the Celtics for the first overall pick.

With the two teams now facing off in the Eastern conference semifinals, focus on the two rookies has become even more pronounced.

Fortunately for Tatum, he's continued his strong offensive play from the regular season over into the playoffs, including a 28-point performance in Game 1.

Meanwhile, Fultz hasn't been in Philly's playoff rotation after his small burst of productive play returning from the shoulder injury that delayed his rookie season.