PHILADELPHIA — Jayson Tatum’s Celtics career is far from complete. He turns 27 in less than two weeks and is already in his eighth season in the NBA. But as far as his personal legacy, he’s already etched his name into Celtics lore.
Tatum has the personal accolades as the All-Star and All-NBA appearances keep coming. Of course, playing on the Celtics means a consistent expectation to deliver championships. Tatum did that last year. In a sense, because Tatum earned that 2024 title last season, he can start dreaming. He can start to compare himself to Celtics greats and their own resumes — and there’s one guy in particular he has his eyes on.
“The best Celtic ever is Larry Bird,” Tatum said after the C’s dominated the Sixers on Thursday. “Even if I never reach — maybe I do make it or I don’t — but you aspire to chase that guy. It comes with a level of focus and motivation to be the best you can. Wherever the chips fall, just know that you gave it all you can.”
There’s a reason why so many numbers hang in the TD Garden rafters alongside the 18 championships. The winningest franchise in NBA history is naturally going to have its legends. The Birds, the Bill Russells, the John Havliceks and more recently, the Paul Pierces of the world. That’s a high standard, but all Tatum has done is continue climbing up those historical lists.
Tatum said he’s only met Bird once, back at the All-Star game in Indianapolis last year. Bird stays out of the spotlight in retirement, but he was part of the Pacers contingent during All-Star weekend as an Indiana native. Tatum had a lot appreciation getting to meet one of the greatest players of all-time, and in his opinion, the best Celtic of all-time.
“I ran over to him and I was like, ‘Man, it’s an honor to meet you,‘” Tatum said. “He was just like, ‘Likewise.’ He loves watching me play and happy for my success. That was just a cool moment. One of the greatest players of all-time acknowledging you even if it’s for a brief moment. Just as a young guy, something that I’ll always be able to cherish.”
Tatum is just now entering the prime of his career after putting together first-team All-NBA campaigns over the past three seasons. He’s well on his way to adding more accolades to his resume, currently leading the reigning champions. Tatum will ultimately be judged on how many championships he brings to Boston, but getting to the mountaintop once already puts him in rarified air.
Plus, it’s always good to have goals. For other franchises, Tatum could reasonably be the best player all-time already. But Tatum plays for the Celtics, where multiple rings start the conversation for greatest ever.
“You realize at a certain point that you might be on the trajectory of whatever people want to call it, have a legendary career or be an all-time great or whatever,” Tatum said. “You see the impact he had on the game of basketball. Obviously with the Celtics, winning three championships, three MVPs in a row, which is incredible.
“Once you win a championship, you realize you can be in those rooms with the Celtics legend. But it doesn’t just stop at one. Obviously you gotta win multiple, and that’s what we’re trying to do. I’ve always wanted to be the best. He’s, in my opinion, the best Celtic ever. He did it the right way. He’s a great guy to chase.”
