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NBA Champion Still Refers To Larry Bird As Greatest Player In Boston Celtics History

During an interview, Jayson Tatum said he does not lack motivation going into this season. He also said he is chasing Larry Bird, who he refers to as the greatest Celtics player ever.

Scott Salomon

Jan 17, 1990; Orlando, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (33) in action against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
Jan 17, 1990; Orlando, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (33) in action against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images / RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird is a hero to many NBA fans.

He is going to go down as one of the best basketball players of his time. Even current Celtics star Jayson Tatum refers to Bird as the greatest in franchise history.

Winning as many NBA titles as Bird did in Boston is the goal Tatum eventually wants to reach. Bird won three NBA titles with the Celtics.

Tatum is motivated by the past. He was interviewed by Jared Greenberg of NBA TV. Tatum said Bird is his motivation.

Bird's accomplishments are what motivates Tatum to be the player he is. He wants to be just like Larry Legend.

"The company that I joined in doing that," Tatum said. "The motivation came from not being satisfied. Larry Bird is the best Celtic to ever wear this uniform. That's the guy I'm chasing. Even if I fall short, I had a hell of a career. I am chasing the guy who is the best Celtic to ever wear this uniform."

Bird was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also selected to play in the NBA All-Star game 12 times during his illustrious career.

Being selected to seven more NBA All-Star games might not be within Tatum's reach. Bird and Bill Russell's team record of 12 selections might not ever be broken.

Scott Salomon is a contributor to Back In The Day Hoops On SI. He can be reached at sas@southfloridamedianetwork.com.

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Scott Salomon

SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined FanNation on Sports Illustrated in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins channel. In June he joined Inside the Heat and Back in the Day NBA. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. Scott has covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services. Twitter: @ScottSalomonNFL