Jayson Tatum spoke to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints in an in-depth interview. He spoke about his new, massive $315 million contract with the Celtics . Tatum claimed that he promised his mother he wouldn't touch his NBA earnings and sustain his lifestyle just from the money he earns from endorsements. He then explained his mindset about how he secures his financial future for life after the NBA.
“I really started taking it seriously my second or third year. Me and my mom had made a commitment to each other that I was going to save all my NBA money and live off my endorsements. Because you have the rest of your life to live and your family to take care of and kids and whatnot, pretty early on.
“Especially just being in the NBA, there's a misconception that you just have all this money and you're going to be rich forever and just don't live outside of your means. Don't try to keep up or live a lifestyle that is not made for you or that you can't afford."
"I think that's where a lot of people in professional sports may go wrong. It's alright to save money, it's okay to live within the money that you make. And then just being knowledgeable. Ask questions, don't just blindly trust somebody to manage your money. That's how people get taken advantage of.”
Tatum spoke quite eloquently and wisely about how he looks at the money he makes from the NBA. While $315 million is no small sum, it makes sense why Tatum wants to preserve and elongate his luxurious lifestyle by not taking away from his savings and making sure he and his family are taken care of in the long run.
Jayson Tatum Wanted To Shut Up The Critics With Championship Win
In the same interview, Tatum also spoke about how much of a relief winning the 2024 NBA championship brought him. Tatum noted that the lack of a championship was something a lot of his critics held against him, and for him to get the title made sure he took away the last arrow from the quiver of his critics and he could be at peace.
"Nah, it's still like unreal. It's like, just seeing pictures and videos of that moment. You know, people come up and say congrats all the time. It's like, man, we really did it."
"Yeah, just… You know, that was the thing that people held over my head, especially in recent years. ‘He's gotten so close, but can he do it?' All the times that you have gotten close and failed. And then you finally get over the hump? That feeling is unmatched.”
For Tatum, his focus will now be on the Olympics. He did not play in the first game for Team USA against Serbia, a decision even Steve Kerr himself criticized . In their second game against South Sudan, he got to play but didn't deliver a strong performance, with just 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.
Tatum will hope to have a better contribution with Team USA going forward, presuming he gets consistent minutes. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, a player like Tatum must deliver for Team USA if they hope to win gold at the Olympics.
Related: Jayson Tatum On Being Benched Against Serbia: "It’s Definitely A Humbling Experience...”
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