Jayson Tatum has led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals. They are only two wins away from a coveted championship. Unfortunately, for Celtics fans, he will have to carry his team through 2 elimination games in order to get the job done. Moreover, this is past Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
The Celtics superstar has elevated his game and scoring in the 5 years he has been in this league. Additionally, he has also been mentored by the late Kobe Bryant and inspired by many other elite athletes. Jayson wears their jerseys heading into the arena during pivotal playoff games. One must wonder who these all-time greats are and why he considers their jerseys worth wearing.
Jayson Tatum says he’s been representing athletes he admires his whole life
It is truly remarkable, the impact a sport has on the life of an NBA athlete. JT grew up watching all-time greats compete at the highest level and was clearly inspired by them. That inspiration fused with talent and hard work has gotten him the closest he has ever been to an NBA Championship.
JT was asked by a reporter what his thought process was and what he was hoping to draw upon by wearing other jerseys heading into this game. His response was genuine and relatable.
“Actually something I been doing kinda my whole life, whether it be shoes or items or clothing, you know guys that I admired, guys that I look up to, they inspired me to get to this point so I wouldn’t change that now that I’m… Jayson Tatum, you know just stick to what’s natural to me.”
This makes perfect sense. Any young child\athlete would have inspirations or role models that he\she might just never really outgrow. For Tatum, these players are Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Kobe Bryant among others.
As the Boston Celtics got ready for Game 6 and Tatum is preparing for the most important game of his life, the reporter asked him which all-time great’s jersey he planned to wear for this must-win game.
“I ain’t pick my outfit out yet but uh you never know we’ll see what I wear”
Now that is a mentality the Black Mamba would admire from his protege. The choice of clothing should probably be the last thing on Tatum’s mind.