Tatum on Deuce, KG, and getting his number raised to the rafters

When you’ve been maintaining with All-Star festivities this weekend, you’ve observed that there’s only a completely different vibe with the NBA celebrating their seventy fifth anniversary in Cleveland. With most of the legends in attendance, you’ll be able to’t assist however really feel your house in historical past.

For the 23-year-old Jayson Tatum, his fifth journey to All-Star weekend has been all about wanting again, appreciating the second, and searching ahead. Assembly with the media on Saturday, Tatum talked about idolizing the late nice Kobe Bryant and all the time planning on repping on the mid-season traditional.

“I felt like if I didn’t make All-Star my third 12 months, I might have felt like a failure,” Tatum stated. “All the fellows I regarded as much as, that’s after they make the All-Star Recreation, second or third 12 months. I attempt to comply with the footsteps of the fellows I need to be like.”

In his rookie season, Tatum performed within the Rising Stars Problem and adopted that up profitable the Expertise Problem his sophomore 12 months. Success got here to Tatum rapidly in Boston, however after a disappointing season final 12 months, he’s saved grounded as a younger father. His son, affectionately referred to as Deuce, has grow to be a star and fixture at Celtics video games.

“That’s the plus of getting a child at 19. We’re rising up collectively,” Tatum stated. “I feel that it’s cool that he’s going to see me as my profession goes and as he will get older, keep in mind sure issues and work together and issues like that.”

For Tatum and Deuce, this season would possibly signify the biggest studying curve for the Celtics three-time All-Star. It’s the primary time that Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been the point of interest of the franchise and whereas the 12 months had its bumps and bruises early, Boston is peaking on the proper second after profitable 17 of 24 to start out the brand new 12 months.

“We handled quite a bit, COVID-related issues and accidents initially of the season. New staff, new teaching employees. It took us slightly longer to gel than I assume most individuals had hoped for. We’re clicking on the proper time. Particularly after All-Star break is when every little thing ramps up. It’s kinda go time after that.”

The Celtics are presently the sixth seed within the East and have an opportunity to host a primary spherical collection in April if they’ll keep their defensive depth and Tatum continues to play at a excessive degree on offense. Since January 1st, he’s averaging 26 factors, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on 46% capturing. However for Tatum, his particular person numbers imply nothing if he’s not elevating the Larry O’Brien trophy in July, Banner 18 in his lifetime, and hopefully, his quantity at TD Backyard.

“I really feel like everyone ought to aspire to get their jersey hanging up within the rafters,” Tatum stated. “That in the end signifies that you achieved one thing particular and hopefully, I may be round lengthy sufficient to perform a number of particular issues.”