Doubt and uncertainty fueled criticism around Jayson Tatum for a large part of his 7-year career, with numerous postseasons ending in “What if?”. Many questioned whether the 6-foot-8 forward from Duke had what it took to lead a team to an NBA championship. That was until the conclusion of the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Tatum shares his story of last season, winning the NBA championship and the effort put into preparing for this season in Episode 5 of “Pass The Rock: Season 3.” The NBA Entertainment original provides fans with all-access coverage into the lives of the game’s youngest stars in their on and off-court endeavors.
“These last 7 years been a roller coaster.. I had to listen to all the [stuff] people said about me, and tonight it was worth it,” a relieved Tatum shared in his post-NBA championship press conference.
“Maybe you had to go through all those things,” Tatum reflected after several seasons of losing in the conference finals and falling short in the 2022 NBA Finals. “Made you appreciate it that much more because you know what it’s like to get there and lose”.
Tatum’s father, Justin Tatum, was the first to put a basketball in his son’s hands. Justin Tatum felt he didn’t have the chance to develop in his own basketball career. So he instilled the desire in his son at a young age and helped build him into a versatile player who could handle the ball, shoot and run the pick-and-roll.
“That kinda set the blueprint,” Tatum said. “I always had the mindset that there was some kid somewhere working out while I was asleep. And I never wanted that to be a reason why my dreams didn’t work.”
Tatum’s work ethic aligns perfectly with his aspirations on the basketball court, especially when playing for a historic franchise like the Boston Celtics.
“Understanding of what we are trying to chase is greatness,” Tatum shared after a grueling training camp entering this season. “Winning is most important, and people remember people who win”.
It’s clear that Tatum’s goals resemble those of the Celtics: winning championships.
The Celtics are seeking back-to-back NBA championships, with the Orlando Magic being their first test.
