As the Boston Celtics prepare for the upcoming NBA season, all eyes are on Jayson Tatum, the 26-year-old forward who has been the cornerstone of the team’s success.
Fresh off a championship run in 2024, Tatum is focused on reaching new heights and making history by leading the Celtics to consecutive titles-a feat no NBA team has achieved in six years.
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Jayson Tatum: You haven’t seen the best of me
Tatum, who averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists last season, has already earned a resume that includes being a First-Team All-NBA player for three straight years, an Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and an NBA champion. However, in his mind, he still has room to grow.
Speaking during the Celtics’ media day, Tatum reflected on his development, stating, “I just always feel like overall I can still get better. You haven’t seen the best version of Jayson Tatum. And you shouldn’t, right? I’m only 26; I should continue to keep getting better.”
This sense of unfinished business comes despite a standout season that saw the Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals and Tatum playing a key role with his defensive prowess and ability to facilitate the offense.
Still, personal accolades like regular-season MVP or Finals MVP slipped from his grasp, fueling his motivation heading into this season.
Jayson Tatum focusing on improving his game
Tatum’s offseason has been one of intense preparation.
Working closely with his trainer, Drew Hanlen, he’s fine-tuned his shooting mechanics in hopes of bouncing back from struggles beyond the arc, where he shot a career-low 28.3% in last season’s playoffs.
A disappointing shooting performance also carried over to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Tatum failed to hit a single three-pointer for Team USA.
“I watched a lot of film. I’ve been working with my trainer Drew a lot recently in the last few weeks,”Tatum explained.
“A few mechanical things, pickup points, hand placement, getting lower, getting my shoulders forward-things like that.”
For Tatum, these adjustments are about ensuring he continues to evolve as a player.
“It does feel different being up here as a champion,” he said, “and knowing what it takes and wanting to be on the top of the mountain as many times as you can.”
Tatum’s words reflect the mentality of a player who isn’t resting on past success.
Entering his eighth season, he’s determined to prove that he’s not only a top-5 player in the league but someone who can lead a dynasty.
