Jayson Tatum (Image source: Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum, the star of the Boston Celtics, played a crucial role in the team’s recent success. The 26-year-old, who recently revealed his new tattoo, led the Celtics to their 18th championship in the 2023-24 NBA season. In addition, Tatum won the gold medal while playing for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. When questioned about the driving force behind his remarkable achievements, the 2024 NBA champion disclosed that the former three-time NBA champion served as his inspiration.
In a recent interview with NBA reporter Chris Forsberg of NBCS Boston, Tatum expressed his admiration for Celtics legend Larry Bird, considering him the greatest Celtics player to have ever worn the franchise’s uniform.
“The thing that fuels me is like, Larry Bird is the best player ever to wear a Celtic uniform. That’s the guy that, whether it’s averaging 30 [points per game] that one season or having a 60-point game and tying his record, like sometimes it’s being in the same conversation with him as far as records and things like that go,” Tatum said.
Tatum went on to share that Bird’s stellar career and remarkable impact on the game inspired him as he strives to achieve new heights in the league.
Tatum Shares His Intent to Pursue Greatness Like Celtics Legend Bird
Larry Bird, also known as the Hick from French Lick and Larry Legend, played his entire 13-season NBA career with the Celtics, leading them to five NBA Finals appearances. Throughout his professional career, the 67-year-old legend clinched three NBA championships, three NBA MVP awards, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and was a 12-time NBA All-Star.
During the conversation with Chris Forsberg, Jayson Tatum expressed that he remains undeterred by obstacles and is determined to pursue the legacy of the legendary Celtics player Larry Bird.
“You should strive to be the best. He’s the best Celtic of all time. And that’s what I’m chasing. Even if I fall short of that a little bit, you had a hell of a career. Everything sounds crazy until you do it. Somebody’s got to do it. And not saying it is easy or anything like that. But you should just strive to be the best. And [Bird] was the best to ever wear this jersey,” Tatum added.
The upcoming NBA season is set to kick off, and Celtics’ star Tatum is gearing up to face off against the Denver Nuggets in the first preseason game.
