Determined to Deliver Banner 18, Jayson Tatum's 'Looking Forward to Doing More, And So Should Everybody Else"

While Jayson Tatum feels the pressure of shouldering championship expectations, it's a burden he relishes.

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As the Celtics work toward the goal of hanging Banner 18 high above the TD Garden parquet, Brad Stevens has dramatically reshaped Boston's roster, including shaking up the team's core, adding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis at the expense of Marcus Smart and Robert Williams.

As Jayson Tatum discussed his role as a leader during media day at the Auerbach Center on Monday, with the franchise wanting to see him take even more ownership of the team after the departure of Smart, who was their heart and soul and the loudest voice in the locker room, the four-time All-Star conveyed the following.

"My voice, my presence is felt; during the games, huddles, locker room, practice, film, I speak up. Everybody may not see it, (I) may not be the loudest, but I speak my mind, I listen to guys, and guys listen to me, so it's a mutual respect thing."

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Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the latter of whom signed the most lucrative contract in the NBA's history during the summer, and the organization anticipates growing as a leader, have led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference in four of their first six years together. That includes coming within two wins of capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2022.

Being the two primarily responsible for shouldering those expectations is a weight Tatum feels, but it's a burden he relishes. 

"Is there pressure? Yeah. We've got a really good team. We've got really good players. People expect us to get to the championship and win, and if we don't, we didn't meet expectations. There's a handful of teams each year that realistically can probably win the championship, and we're in that mix, so that's what we're aiming for, and that's what we should be aiming for."

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And as Boston challenges for an NBA title, its roster requires the two-time All-NBA First Team selection to help with backcourt and front-court responsibilities, e.g., playing point guard and making an impact on the glass, where he grabbed a career-high 8.8 rebounds per game last season. 

"We should all feel like we've got to do a little bit more 'cause we didn't win," stated Tatum. "So, whatever we've done has been great, but it hasn't been enough. So, for myself and on down the line, everybody has to sacrifice or be willing to do more, whether it's going from eight rebounds a game to 11, whatever it is. We've all got to be willing to do more because we haven't accomplished what we're trying to do. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to doing more, and so should everybody else."

And when asked whether the Celtics winning the Holiday sweepstakes elevates his motivation or sense of urgency, the former Duke Blue Devil responded, "It was at 10/10 last year; it's at a 10/10 this year. It's what we're trying to do, and we all feel that way."

Further Reading

Kristaps Porzingis Says His Foot's 'Perfectly Fine' and He's Ready for Training Camp

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Jrue Holiday Trade: 'Wondering If Portland Was Going to Get Someone Who They Would Then Move'

Celtics ‘Eager’ to Extend Jrue Holiday

Jayson Tatum Met with Specialists About Offseason Wrist Surgery

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Jayson Tatum Preparing for Point-Guard Role This Season

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative

Brad Stevens Discusses Differences in Joe Mazzulla Entering Year 2 as Celtics' Head Coach

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Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball

Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement