Every athlete eats different things to keep themselves motivated as they pursue excellence, and some simply aim higher to achieve the best versions of themselves while improving their standards. That’s a good idea for Jayson Tatum right now, as he recently admitted that he wants to be the best Celtics player that ever lived.
The star was interviewed this week as the Boston club spoke to the media as it prepares for the upcoming campaign, and was asked what really drives him to put in the work every day. The NBA champion has revealed that he wants to compete with Lady Bird’s legacy in Massachusetts.
The 26-year-old admitted that he thinks the Boston legend is the best athlete to ever wear a club badge. “Larry Bird is the best Celtic to ever wear this uniform, and he’s the guy I’m chasing,” he confirmed. “What motivates me is chasing the best players who have ever played, the best players who have ever worn a Celtic uniform.”
Jayson Tatum admits he is chasing Larry Bird for the title of best Celtic ☘️ pic.twitter.com/EEqhcPMbC7
– Ball Exclusives (@ballexclusives) September 28, 2024
The truth is, if Tatum continues on his current path, he may surpass Larry’s all-time marks. Not only is he still young, the six-foot-eight forward has already earned Rookie First-Team honors, an All-Star Game MVP, and five All-Star selections.
Also, not long ago he helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, an award he had won four years earlier in Tokyo. Now that he won the league last June, he has begun to understand that the sky is his limit.
“I always feel complete, I can still be better. “You haven’t seen the best version of Jayson Tatum,” the former Duke emphasized. “And you shouldn’t, right? I’m only 26, I have to keep getting better.”
Not that, according to the NBA Hall of Famer, he has another motivation to succeed. “I think Jaylen stays on the Olympic team and Jayson doesn’t play… They are defensive players who will take their confidence to the next level. The NBA found a way to piss them both off this summer,” Charles Barkley said this month.
Former NBA champion Quinn Cook explains why Boston’s Jayson Tatum is poised to win next season’s MVP
Jayson Tatum just came off his second Olympic Games experience and earned himself a gold medal in Paris alongside stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Although he was not a regular starter for Team USA, he was still able to contribute in 4 of the 6 games of the tournament.
Back home is the NBA champion with the Celtics, who reached the league finals in 2022 (but lost to the Warriors) and then failed last year in the Conference Finals against the Heat. However, Boston’s long process finally paid off with JT as one of their most valuable leaders.
After what happened in France and learning from some of the best veterans to ever compete in the NBA, many believe that Tatum will grow even stronger and continue to dominate the league. That’s why the two-time champion guarantees that the striker will be the MVP of the tournament next campaign
Quinn Cook posted his thoughts on X: “Jayson Tatum is going to win MVP this season! Three consecutive All-NBA first teams, won a gold medal in 2021 while being the team’s second leading scorer and just won his first NBA championship without playing a minute for Team USA 🤔🤔 all the motivation he needs. Look at the NBA.”
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