For the first time in his career, superstar Jayson Tatum has been fully thrust in a leadership position with the Boston Celtics. He and fellow All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown are now the two most tenured members of the club, while the team’s former defacto player-coach Marcus Smart is now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. Recently Tatum told the Messenger’s Jeff Goodman, however, his leadership style may be more “reserved, quiet, and laid back” than others.
When Tatum first joined the Celtics back in 2017, the team was led by older established All-Stars like Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. A few years later, it was the fiery head coach Ime Udoka who took the leadership reins in Boston. Tatum has grown into a standard-bearer for Boston, but until this season, he hasn’t yet been charged with serving as the club’s top leader. As he outlined to Goodman, he appears ready for the challenge.
Buy Celtics Tickets“When I talk,” Tatum explained. “Everybody in that organization is going to listen. And whatever I say is always for the betterment of the team — and my teammates know that.”
During a recent interview, Jayson Tatum noted how the Boston Celtics decision to give Jaylen Brown a supermax contract was a ‘no-brainer.’ https://t.co/QBaksN7ezW
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 7, 2023
Tatum led the team in scoring last season while earning a fourth All-Star appearance and a second All-NBA First Team nod. The 25-year-old has established himself as the head of the snake on the court. Tatum appears ready to serve as a leader beyond gameplay as well.
“When I need to, I make sure my voice is heard,” Tatum said. “And I do it in my own way. I’m not going to be out there jumping up and down screaming. That’s just not my personality. As much as people want to talk about it and want me to be that, I’m not changing who I am. I lead in my own way.
“I’m never going to be Kevin Garnett,” Tatum added. “As much as people want me to be, that’s not who I am. The way I lead, the public may not ever see what I do.”
Jayson Tatum has set himself a new individual goal ahead of the new season, where he will aim to bring a championship to the Boston Celtics. https://t.co/ONweWcryOO
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 7, 2023
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
