The Boston Celtics are one week away from tipping off their first preseason game for the 2024-25 NBA season, with the team's media day taking place today ahead of the start of training camp. Jayson Tatum made it clear that he has a lot more room to grow as a player, telling NBC Sports Boston that we're yet to see the best version of him .
"At 26, with how accomplished I am, I always feel like overall I can still get better. You haven't seen the best version of Jayson Tatum. I'm only 26, I should continue to get better."
Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists last season but had disappointing performances on the biggest stages. He averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the NBA Finals, shooting under 40% from the field and losing Finals MVP to teammate Jaylen Brown . He also struggled to break into Team USA's lineup at the Olympics, getting two DNPs during the tournament.
There's no doubt that Tatum is one of the premier forwards in the NBA right now, but his lack of consistency is a problem. The Celtics as a team are strong enough to make up for his shortcomings, but Tatum has the ability to be one of the best players in the NBA and an MVP candidate.
Hopefully, Tatum can deliver on what he's saying and take a leap in production next season. If Tatum gets better, the NBA should be worried about the state of the Celtics going forward, with the team on potential dynasty watch if they can become the first team since the 2018 Warriors to defend their title.
Jayson Tatum Opens Up On The Celtics' 2024-25 Championship Mentality
The Celtics are in the quest to win their first back-to-back championship in over 30 years to add banner No. 19 to the rafters of the TD Garden. Tatum had discussed this earlier in the offseason, revealing the mindset coach Joe Mazzulla wants them to have as they approach next season as one where they're chasing another title instead of defending the one they won .
“[Coach] Joe Mazzulla, he had a great quote the other day. He said we’re not defending anything. We’re chasing another championship. We enjoyed it all summer. We enjoyed it during training camp. I can’t wait for opening night to get our rings and see the banner being raised."
"But honestly, after opening night, we have to put it behind us. It’s a new season. Last year was last year, we accomplished something special. We’ve got to figure out a way to get better. We wanted to approach the game with the same mindset, and we did an amazing job of that last year."
The Celtics are coming back with a mostly identical core, though certain additions like Lonnie Walker IV should further enhance the team's competitiveness. With teams in the East already hot on their trail, the Celtics will hope they can outlast the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks to maintain their crown.
Related: Jayson Tatum Says Joe Mazzulla Was The Happiest Person In The World When He Didn't Win Finals MVP
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