Jayson Tatum Makes Honest Statement About Boston Celtics Legend Larry Bird

Jayson Tatum spoke about Celtics legend Larry Bird.

Unknown date; Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (33) in action against the Portland Trail Blazers at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images / Imagn Images

On Thursday evening, the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 124-104.

Jayson Tatum led the way with 15 points, 11 rebounds, ten assists and one steal while shooting 5/13 from the field and 2/7 from the three-point range in 35 minutes of playing time.

Via Celtics Stats: "Jayson Tatum (15 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) logged his second triple-double of the season tonight and the fourth of his career."

Jayson Tatum (15 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) logged his second triple-double of the season tonight and the fourth of his career.

— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) February 21, 2025

After the game, Tatum was asked about Celtics legend Larry Bird (h/t CLNS Media Boston Sports Network).

Reporter: "When did you decide to chase Larry Bird? And what is it that he accomplished that inspired you, yourself?"

Tatum: "I think you realize at a certain point that you might be on a trajectory of whatever people want to call it. Have a legendary career, or an all-time great or whatever. You see the impact that he had on the game of basketball and obviously, with the Celtics. Winning three championships, three MVPs in a row, which is incredible... Once you win a championship, it's like alright, you can be in those rooms with the Celtics legends. It doesn't just stop at one. You obviously gotta win multiple and that's what we're trying to do. I always wanted to be the best, and he's in my opinion, the best Celtic ever. He did it the right way, and he's a great guy to chase in a sense."

Tatum is in his eighth season with Boston.

They are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 40-16 record in 56 games.

Jayson Tatum is on pace to average 25+ PPG for the 5th straight season, which would pass Larry Bird's record (1984-1988) for the most consecutive seasons averaging 25+ PPG in Celtics franchise history. pic.twitter.com/HY32OKQeqN

— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2025