Just In: Celtics’ Top-Star Honest Admission On Title Ends ‘Debate’ On Elite Status
Las Vegas experienced Jayson Tatum’s arrival for his first Team USA training camp practice Monday with a new haircut and a sense of relief after recently winning an NBA title and securing a record contract extension. Tatum mentioned feeling the weight of expectations being lifted off his shoulders after being part of numerous debates about his leadership abilities and his position as a top-five player.
With the championship win, he believes he has solidified his place in the conversation, stating that he can now be referred to as an NBA champion, which is something no one can dispute. After leading the NBA with 64 regular-season victories and going 16-3 in the postseason, Tatum’s success with the Celtics is undeniable. He described the championship parade as the best two hours of his life and expressed how incredible the atmosphere and energy were in the city that day. Despite the championship win, Tatum emphasized that the Celtics, particularly coach Joe Mazzulla, would not be taking it easy.
“Joe is already working on plans for next season,” Tatum mentioned with a grin. “And I was like, ‘Joe, forget about that. We just won a championship. Let’s savor it. Take it easy.’
“I’m not concerned about any plays he’s trying to implement right now. We had a good laugh about it because he’s so driven — we all are, but we put in so much effort for this. We need to enjoy it.”
Tatum is also pleased with the significant roster continuity in Boston heading into the next season. The team has re-signed centers Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman in free agency, and they have secured long-term contract extensions for Tatum and All-Defensive Team guard Derrick White.
At present, Boston has kept 13 out of 15 players from its championship-winning roster, with Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk being replaced by first-round pick Baylor Scheierman. Tatum expressed his contentment with this continuity, emphasizing how essential team chemistry was for the Celtics.
“We had an incredible team,” Tatum remarked. “Not only the guys who played, but the guys in our ‘stay ready’ group are extremely talented whenever we called upon them. I think the closeness of our team was crucial, and we all got along really well.
“I didn’t want any changes. I felt we had a very strong team in every aspect.”
However, there will be a change in Boston’s ownership group. Controlling owner Wyc Grousbeck unexpectedly announced last week that he and his family would be selling their controlling stake in the franchise, a move that surprised practically everyone, including Tatum himself.
“I was very surprised,” Tatum admitted. “I didn’t hear anything about that beforehand, and we just won a championship. I thought everything was great. But people have decisions they have to make, especially them and their family. As a man, you have to respect that.”
He also mentioned that the ownership group assured everyone within the franchise that there would be no changes moving forward.
One thing that won’t change is Tatum’s role as the face of the franchise in Boston, following his agreement to a record five-year, $314 million extension.
Now, he aims to build on the first championship by winning as many as possible in Boston.
“I’m just thankful and grateful,” Tatum expressed regarding the extension. “It’s not about the money. I’ve been fortunate enough to make more than I ever thought I would have and to take care of my family. For me, it’s about feeling valued, knowing that they want me for the long haul, for my entire career.
“I have nothing but love for the city, the fans, and everyone in the organization, and we just won a championship. I want to try to win as many as I can.”