As the new season approaches, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum while on media duties reflected on his Olympic experience, where he sat out two of Team USA’s six games and averaged just 5.3 points in 17.7 minutes per game. During the conversation with the media, he acknowledged that he didn’t fully understand why he didn’t play much during the Olympics.
Not everyone would find happiness if they were in his shoes, and despite the disappointment, Jayson Tatum chose instead to focus on the positives. During the games, he was not a featured player alongside stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. Nonetheless, he remained proud of his accomplishments with Team USA.
It was a unique circumstance, something I haven’t experienced before in my playing career. But I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason. I was coming off a championship, highest of highs, cover of 2K, a new contract, and that happened. Whatever the reason is, I haven’t figured out yet.
Jayson Tatum said during the 2024/2025 season media day
“I’m not going to give anybody in particular credit that they’re motivating me coming into the season.”
Jayson Tatum on extra motivation after being benched for two games at the Olympics pic.twitter.com/gvUw5cw2dk
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) September 24, 2024
Looking ahead of the new season, JT is prepared to help the Celtics, who are favored to win another NBA title this season. And while no team has won back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors dynasty, the Celtics are out for blood in the coming season.
The Celtics begin the new season with a tough game against Eastern Conference challengers the New York Knicks on October 22. And while there’s a better chance he would be a key player when the Olympic torch comes to the States, his focus is on leading the Celtics to back-to-back championships.
Jayson Tatum predicts his best season yet to come
Having led the Boston Celtics to an amazing championship run last season, Jayson Tatum is of the opinion that he has yet to reach his full potential. He made this bold declaration when he spoke during the team’s media day, where he shared his determination to continue improving.
At 26 and I guess as accomplished as I am, I just always feel like, overall, I can still get better…You haven’t seen the best version of Jayson Tatum. I’m only 26, I should continue to keep getting better.
Jayson Tatum said
Everyone knew he was destined for greatness when he got drafted third overall by the C’s, but at the age of 26, he is already a five-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA First-Team selection. And he played a key role in the Celtics’ historic 18th NBA championship and earned a gold medal with Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
His postseason didn’t go as planned, but he can be proud of some major wins such as being featured on Sports Illustrated as well as on the cover of popular video game NBA 2K25. Additionally, he will be featured in the upcoming ‘Starting 5’ documentary series on Netflix, which tells a lot about where he would be when he finally gets to the best version of himself.
