On a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast, Jayson Tatum revealed his initial frustrations after being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2018. With the Celtics signing Gordon Hayward around the same time, Tatum felt he might not have a starting role, despite being the third overall pick in the draft. This led him to consider an immediate exit.
“I get drafted, Gordon Hayward signed with the Celtics. I can call my agent like yo, I gotta get traded. I’m in summer league before I ever play a game like. He like ‘relax, just wait it out. He like relax, you doing too much.'”
“I’m like, yo, I’m trying to play… I didn’t get drafted to come off the bench and not start. He was like ‘yo just, like you in a great organization. They gonna teach you how to play the right way.”
With Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, and newly acquired Kyrie Irving, the Celtics seemed stacked at the wing and guard positions. Tatum was concerned that this crowding could limit his playing time, especially since Boston’s roster was already loaded with talented players and high expectations. Given the team’s depth and his own ambitions, Tatum initially felt uneasy about the possibility of not being a primary contributor.
However, Tatum’s agent offered him a different perspective, urging patience and emphasizing Boston’s strong development program. This advice proved to be prophetic, as Boston has become known for fostering young talent and building cohesive team play. Tatum heeded the advice, putting his trust in the Celtics’ plan.
In an unexpected turn of events, Gordon Hayward suffered a devastating ankle injury in the season opener, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. This unfortunate injury, however, allowed Tatum to step into a starting role much sooner than anticipated.
As a rookie, he quickly proved his value, showcasing a versatile skill set, maturity, and poise beyond his years. Tatum became an instrumental piece in Boston’s lineup, helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Looking back, Tatum’s early frustrations seem almost ironic, considering he has become the face of the franchise. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top players, boasting an NBA title, five All-Star selections, four All-NBA selections, and two Finals appearances. Under the guidance of the Celtics, Tatum has evolved into an elite scorer and leader, demonstrating that patience and trust in the process can pay off in unexpected ways.
While Tatum’s initial reaction was to question his place on the team, the Celtics’ long-term approach allowed him to develop into the superstar he is today. His journey highlights the complexities and challenges young players face, especially in stacked rosters, and emphasizes the importance of trusting the right guidance.
Had Tatum’s request for a trade been granted, his career trajectory could have looked vastly different. Instead, he has established himself as the centerpiece of the Celtics, solidifying his legacy and position in Boston’s storied history.
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