Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were both key players in the Boston Celtics’ successful run in the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals. Despite Tatum’s contributions, it was Brown who took home the MVP honors for both series. However, Tatum isn’t fazed by missing out on the individual accolades.
During a recent interview with NBA TV’s Jared Greenberg, Tatum claimed that he was happy for his mate’s achievement.
“It just wasn’t my time. Steph Curry’s got 4 rings, and he only has 1 [Finals MVP]. Isiah Thomas and Larry Bird didn’t win Finals MVP every time. For me, I was happy for [Jaylen Brown]. I know that I’m gonna win Finals MVP one day,” Tatum said.
While Tatum remains focused on his future success, things haven’t been smooth for Brown. He was left off the Team USA roster, while Tatum made the team and won gold at the Paris Olympics.
Jayson Tatum Reflects on Setbacks and His Pursuit of Celtics Greatness
Apart from missing out on the MVP title, Jayson Tatum had another setback this year. He was benched for two games in the Paris Olympics. However, Tatum remains cool by these challenges, drawing motivation from his team’s success and his admiration for Celtics legend Larry Bird.
During his recent interview with Jared Greenberg, the Celtics star explained where his focus truly lies.
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“I don’t give anybody or a situation like that much attention or credit. I didn’t need any extra motivation coming into the season. My motivation came from us winning the championship and the company that I joined in doing that,” Tatum said.
“Larry Bird is the best Celtic to ever wear this uniform, and that’s the guy that I’m chasing. Even if I fall short of that, if I aspire to be as great as he was, and if you fall a little short, you had a hell of a career,” he added.
With Brown and Tatum, the Celtics will kick off the pre-season with a game against the Denver Nuggets on October 4.
