Jayson Tatum admits he worked on changing his shooting form this summer: “In the playoffs, I didn't shoot from the three like I would've liked"

With a few weeks ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, the defending champion Boston Celtics are the team to beat. Finishing 64-18 in the Eastern Conference as the top seed a season ago, they bulldozed their way to their 18th championship.

A big part of that was the strong lineup they fielded last season. They'll need every one of those players firing on all cylinders, particularly superstar forward Jayson Tatum .

Improving in key areas

Judging by what we have seen in their preseason games, the Celtics aren't from their dominant self last season. They are undefeated with a 2-0 record, including a 26-point victory against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

Tatum shot 6-of-14 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. His shots looked polished, and his jumper appears smoother than in the 2023 season. It's something he's aiming to continue improving on in 2024.

"I think just after every season, you look and reflect on things you can get better at," the 26-year-old said after the game. "I shot 38% from three last year; I shot 8.5 threes per game. In the playoffs, I didn't shoot from the three like I would've liked. So, just the reflection of what happened looking back at last season and going into the next season, just working out and being more efficient from the three was at the top of the list."

JT isn't necessarily a struggling shooter. Last season, he shot more threes than any other Boston player and finished eight overall in three-points made. The shots haven't always been the problem, but his efficiency beyond the arc is what the perennial MVP candidate will look to fortify. He has only shot over 40% twice in his seven-year NBA career, all coming in his first three years in the league.

Working hard to be better

Tatum didn't get a full break this offseason, as he was part of Team USA's roster for the Paris Olympics. He mostly watched from the bench, which was rather disappointing, especially after a title-winning season.

But his team clinched the gold medal, and all eyes are now fixed on the upcoming season as the Duke product and reigning NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown look to propel Boston to another memorable campaign.

Related: Jayson Tatum thinks it wasn't his time to win Finals MVP: "Steph Curry has four rings, and he only has one"