Star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has set his eyes on the illustrious legacy of Hall of Famer Larry Bird, aiming to cement his place among the greatest players not only in Celtics history but within the entire sport of basketball.
Speaking candidly after the Celtics’ commanding victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Tatum expressed his desire to match the greatness of Bird, often lauded as the best Celtic of all time. The 26-year-old St. Louis native acknowledged the tremendous challenge this goal presents, yet remains unwavering. “Even if I never reach (his heights) -- maybe I do make it, or I don’t -- but you aspire to chase this guy,” Tatum stated via CLNS Media.
On Thursday night, Tatum showcased his growing prowess on the court by notching his second triple-double of the season with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ 124-104 victory. His ability to command the floor and facilitate for teammates exemplifies why Tatum is considered one of the best players currently competing. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Tatum’s evolution, mentioning how he has transformed from being defined by his scoring to becoming a complete player who can create opportunities for others.
“I’m very accomplished at a young age, but the truth is I envision myself as one of those guys: the LeBrons, the Stephs, the KDs,” Tatum noted, reiteratively expressing his ambition to be seen as one of the modern legends of the game. “Wearing a Celtics uniform brings immense pride, and the best Celtic ever is Larry Bird,” he added, acknowledging Bird’s historical significance—a legacy built on three championships and three consecutive MVPs.
The bond between Tatum and Bird transcends mere statistics; it serves as motivation for the young star. Tatum reflected on their shared achievements—both having scored 60 points in games—and recognized the importance of championships as gateways to being recognized among legends. “Once you win a championship, it’s like, all right, you can be in those rooms with the Celtics legends... you’ve got to win multiple, and that's what we’re trying to do,” he acknowledged.
Analysts suggest comparing Tatum’s early career numbers to Bird’s might be misleading due to different eras and the stages of their careers. Nevertheless, Tatum, currently on pace to surpass Bird’s record of 25-plus points per game over consecutive seasons, brings enthusiasm to his pursuit of greatness. His 13,273 points scored before turning 27 set him on the path to potentially joining Bird among the Celtics greats.
Continuing to build on solid performances, Tatum aims not only to match Bird’s accomplishments but also to set new standards. He already holds the record for most playoff points before his 27th birthday, surpassing legends like Kobe Bryant. With multiple All-Star selections and as part of the Celtics’ core, Tatum's upward momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Discussing the legacy of the Celtics and its expectations, Tatum remarked, "You realize at some point you might be on some kind of legendary career path—or whatever people want to call it." He takes pride not only in what he has achieved but also acknowledges the work still left to be done. “I always wanted to be the best,” he reiterated, indicating his fierce competitive spirit and the luxury of not feeling complacent as he continues to hone his craft.
For the Celtics, the immediate goal is repeating as NBA champions. Tatum’s aspirations align closely with team objectives, emphasizing both personal excellence and collective success. He knows to reach Bird's level, he must lead his team through playoff runs and attain multiple championships, replicable marks set by the Celtics’ previous stars.
On the night when Tatum secured his triple-double, he encapsulated his motivations succinctly, focusing not just on numbers, but on impact, legacy, and the accruing respect from fans and players alike. "If you aspire to chase (Bird), it brings motivation every single day to be the best you can," he said.
It’s clear the conversations surrounding Tatum are transforming. With Boston trending upward, as shown by their formidable record of 40-16 and their second place standing in the Eastern Conference, Tatum is asserting himself as both the present star and the promising future of the Celtics. The momentum he's generated this season positions him closer to realizing his ultimate ambition—succeeding as the best crystalized member of the Celtics lineage, one where he might not only chase Larry Bird but eventually join him at the pinnacle of Boston's storied basketball history.