Jayson Tatum offered some sage advice to Jabari Smith Jr., a rising star in the league. During a press conference at NBA Finals Media Day, Smith, the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, asked Tatum for guidance on handling the pressures of not yet meeting the lofty expectations set for him.
“I’ve been in that situation. Everybody else in the world at your age at 21 is probably still in school, trying to figure out what they want to do in life.”
“We come into the league at such a young age, and they want us to be perfect right away. It’s just part of growing up. You’re still growing up. I’m still growing up.”
“And it’s a process, right? Nothing was accomplished overnight and I think you’ll find a value in tough times, the ups and downs, just what life brings you. I sound like a real old person.”
“But just in the sense of like your career I would say man enjoy it right there’s going to be some great times, there’s going to be some times that aren’t so great. and it’s okay to be upset. Cause that means you care, right? You want to be great.”
“And people believe that you can’t. They just try to rush the process. And it takes however long it takes. But you know, as long as you work hard, you believe, you’ve got the right support system. Obviously you do that, you sign up to all those guys, coaches, and everything that take care of itself.”
Jabari Smith Jr.: "What would you say to someone going into their 3rd year who hasn't lived up to their expectation?"
Jayson Tatum: "I've been in that situation. Everyone else your age is still in school trying to figure out what they want to do in life.” 🗣️
(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/8bpwcxz4lv
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 5, 2024
Tatum, reflecting on his own journey, emphasized that entering the NBA at a young age comes with its unique set of challenges. He noted that most people Smith’s age are still figuring out their paths in life, often still in school, while NBA players are thrust into the spotlight and expected to perform at an elite level immediately. Tatum reassured Smith that it’s normal to face ups and downs and that growth is a process. He shared that it’s okay to feel upset during tough times because it shows a deep care for one’s career and aspirations.
Tatum himself has had a stellar career, being a five-time All-Star and a key player for the Boston Celtics since being drafted third overall in 2017. He has played in over 100 playoff games and is closing in on Kobe Bryant’s record for most postseason points by a player aged 26 and under. Despite his rapid success, Tatum acknowledges that his development took time and that patience and perseverance are crucial.
Smith, who averaged 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game last season for the Houston Rockets, has shown promise but has yet to experience the playoffs. Tatum encouraged him to enjoy the journey, recognizing that there will be both great moments and challenging ones. He stressed the importance of having a solid support system and believing in the process.
Tatum’s familiarity with Smith’s current coaches, including former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, adds another layer of reassurance. Udoka, now the Rockets’ head coach, led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in the 2021-22 season, and Tatum believes Smith is in good hands under his guidance.
Tatum’s advice underscores the reality that the path to greatness is rarely straightforward. His message to Smith is clear: trust the process, remain patient, and keep working hard. With the right mindset and support, Smith can navigate the pressures and expectations of the NBA and carve out a successful career for himself.
Jayson Tatum Cannot Have A Bad NBA Finals
Jayson Tatum enters the 2024 NBA Finals with an impressive resume, but the pressure to deliver has never been higher. In his seven-season career, Tatum has accumulated five All-Star appearances and four All-NBA team selections, averaging 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
He has led the Boston Celtics to four Eastern Conference Finals appearances, including one NBA Finals. However, he is still searching for his first championship ring.
The Celtics are the overwhelming favorites this year, and Tatum’s performance is expected to play a crucial role. His last appearance in the Finals left much to be desired. Tatum averaged 21.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.8 rebounds but shot only 36.67% from the field, despite an impressive 45.5% from three-point range. His 3.83 turnovers per game were also a significant issue.
The Celtics squandered a 2-1 series lead, losing three consecutive games to the Golden State Warriors and missing out on the championship.
This time around, Tatum cannot afford a subpar performance. Regardless of the series outcome, Tatum must showcase his best basketball. The expectations are immense, not only because of the Celtics’ favored status but also due to Tatum’s standing as the team’s cornerstone. A poor Finals performance would not only diminish his reputation but also fuel narratives questioning his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Tatum’s regular-season dominance and his ability to lead the Celtics through the Eastern Conference playoffs highlight his immense talent. However, translating that success into a Finals victory remains the ultimate test. He needs to rise to the occasion, delivering clutch performances and minimizing mistakes.
Whether the Celtics win or lose, Tatum’s legacy will be significantly impacted by his performance in this series. For Tatum, the 2024 NBA Finals is not just about winning a championship; it’s about solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players and proving he can thrive when the stakes are highest.
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