Jayson Tatum Admits He’s ‘Chasing’ This Celtics Legend

Jayson Tatum has cemented himself as one of the best Celtics players after capturing his first NBA title last season.

The Celtics star not only captured his first Larry O'Brien trophy, but Tatum also won his second gold medal with Team USA, even though he was more of a spectator than a participant. The 26-year-old showed maturity in his response to his Olympic experience at Celtics' media day on Tuesday

While Green Teamers may hold a grudge toward Team USA and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Tatum told NBA TV's Jared Greenberg the whole experience doesn't give him "extra motivation" heading into the 2024-25 season.

His motivation actually comes from chasing a Celtics legend.

"For me, I don't give anybody or a situation like that much attention or credit," Tatum explained. "I didn't need any extra motivation coming into this season. My motivation came from us winning a championship and the company I joined in doing that.

"The motivation came from not being satisfied. Larry Bird is the best Celtic to ever wear this uniform. That's the guy that I'm chasing, and even if I fall short of that if I aspire to be as great as he was, and even if you fall a little short, you had a hell of a career. So, my motivation is chasing the best players to ever play, the best player to ever wear a Celtics uniform."

Tatum has averaged 23.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 513 games over the past seven seasons. Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in 897 games in 13 seasons with the Celtics. In his career, Bird won three NBA titles (1981, 1984, 1986), was named Finals MVP in 1984 and 1986, and was named league MVP in three consecutive seasons from 1984 to 1986.

It's a pretty illustrious career to be chasing.