In a recent interview with journalist Jeff Goodman of The MessengerJayson Tatum shared his desire to add his name to the long list of Boston Celtics legends.
The forward has had a good start, with almost 10,000 points scored, four appearances in the All-Star Game and an NBA Finals appearance in his first six NBA seasons. However, he is aware that he will need a lot more if he wants to be remembered as one of the best players in franchise history.
“I would love to be on the Celtics’ ‘Mount Rushmore,'” Tatum began. «Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Paul Pierce and those guys. They paved the way. All those guys achieved glory after carrying the team on their shoulders. I have to get to the top of the mountain to be considered like them. I want to be an all-time great. I want to be known as a winner and I think I will be.”
A year ago, the Celtics appeared to be in prime position to win their 18th career title. They had previously suffered a painful loss in the Finals to the Golden State Warriors, but they hoped to use that experience and the signed reinforcements to make the final assault on the ring. However, things started to unravel when the then manager, Ime Udoka, was suspended. After that, several injuries did not allow the perfect cohesion of the group, although it helped the team to stay together. “It was a lot, a lot, that we had to process and deal with,” Tatum stated. “But I think it brought us together as a team.”
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With this turbulent season over, the Celtics hope to pick up where they left off. For his part, Tatum has used the summer to prepare his body for the new course. And, for this, he has trained in recent weeks with one of those former Celtics who know what it is to win a championship: Paul Pierce.
In the same interview, Tatum acknowledged that he will “miss” Marcus Smart, who was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in June, and assured that he has achieved a “great connection” with the city of Boston. “You never know what can happen, but I love playing for the Celtics. I discovered my place in the city and have come to enjoy it very much. I love the fans. It would be very difficult to leave this place.”
(Cover photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
2023-09-07 18:00:00
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