Jayson Tatum, who led the Boston Celtics to their first NBA title in 16 years, believes that winning the championship solidifies his status as an elite player. Tatum expressed his thoughts during a recent interview with ESPN, stating that having a ring distinguishes him from other players and puts an end to debates about his capabilities.
In addition to his NBA championship, Tatum is also set to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside teammate Jrue Holiday. This will be the second time that both Tatum and Holiday will play for USA Basketball in the Olympics, showcasing their talent on an international stage.
Throughout the regular season, Tatum showcased impressive stats, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and one steal per game. His stellar performance continued into the postseason, where he played a crucial role in guiding the Celtics to victory. Tatum’s standout game came in the decisive fifth game of the NBA Finals, where he recorded 31 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and two steals to lead Boston to a 106-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite Tatum’s exceptional contributions, his teammate Jaylen Brown received recognition from Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd as Boston’s “best player” during the NBA Finals. Brown’s impressive stats throughout the postseason, including averaging 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, solidified his performance on the court.
Following their NBA championship win, Tatum and the Celtics reached an agreement on a historic contract extension worth $315 million over five years. This significant deal reflects the team’s commitment to Tatum’s talent and leadership on and off the court. Additionally, the Celtics secured guard Derrick White with a four-year, $126 million extension, further strengthening their roster for future seasons.
At 26 years old, Tatum has already established himself as a four-time All-NBA honoree and five-time All-Star, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the game. As he continues his career with the Celtics, Tatum’s focus remains on achieving further success and solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s elite players.