Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics humorously suggested that his coach, Joe Mazzulla, likely views his recent disappointments as a chance to inspire him, despite a season filled with outstanding achievements, including winning an NBA title and earning a gold medal.
Tatum’s success came with some setbacks; he did not receive the NBA Finals MVP award and sat out two games during Team USA’s journey at the Paris Olympics. Reflecting on this, Tatum remarked, “If you want to simplify it, I guess you could say that’s motivation.”
He shared these thoughts during media day at the team’s practice facility, which took place nearly a week earlier than other teams due to their upcoming preseason trip to Abu Dhabi to face the Denver Nuggets. He humorously added, “Joe was probably the happiest person in the world that I didn’t win Finals MVP and I didn’t play in two games of the Olympics.”
Despite Boston finally achieving its long-awaited 18th NBA title in June and Tatum winning a second gold medal shortly thereafter, attention remained on Jaylen Brown’s rise to claim MVP honors during the Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals, as well as Tatum’s absence in both games against Serbia during the Olympic tournament.
While Tatum insisted he didn’t require extra motivation for the new season, he acknowledged that the summer was challenging, particularly due to his unique experiences at the Olympics. “I won’t credit anyone specifically for motivating me this season,” Tatum explained.
He described the situation as one he had never faced before but expressed faith in the idea that everything happens for a reason. Coming off a championship, a cover appearance on NBA 2K, and a new contract, he found the summer’s challenges puzzling but meaningful.
Despite the hurdles, Tatum reflected positively on the experience, emphasizing that winning a gold medal and being surrounded by elite players were benefits. “It was a good experience,” he affirmed. “I won my second gold medal, developed friendships, and was able to bring my family to enjoy the Olympics.”
The past few months have been fruitful for Tatum, who has now fulfilled his dream of winning a championship and secured his third consecutive All-NBA first-team selection. Alongside his second gold medal, he was featured on the latest NBA 2K video game cover and attended the premiere of “Starting 5,” a Netflix documentary involving several NBA stars, in Los Angeles.
Now, as the season approaches, Tatum’s attention shifts to the Celtics’ ambition of capturing a 19th championship banner. With the experience of having won his first title—after previously reaching the NBA Finals in 2022 and making it to the Eastern Conference finals four times in six seasons—he noted that his mindset feels markedly different this season. “It does feel different,” he stated, emphasizing that this change doesn’t come from complacency.
Understanding the importance of aspirations, he expressed the team’s goal of striving for greatness. “We finally knocked down the door,” he said, reflecting on their consistent success.
Now, he feels honored to join the ranks of Celtics legends who have also won championships. Tatum understands the importance of maximizing this opportunity to be remembered among the greats. “It does feel different being up here as a champion and knowing what it takes to be at the top.”