Jayson Tatum Reflects on Kobe Bryant’s Impact and Mentorship in Candid Interview
In a candid interview with Andscape, Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum opens up about the impact and mentorship of the late Kobe Bryant. Tatum reflects on his regrets of not reaching out to Bryant more before his tragic death in a helicopter accident four years ago. He shares how he now seeks guidance from NBA star LeBron James and emphasizes the importance of asking for help and advice.
Tatum acknowledges the profound impact that Bryant had on people all over the world, including himself. Growing up thousands of miles away from Los Angeles, Tatum idolized Bryant and sought to emulate his game, mindset, and personality. He credits Bryant for shaping him into the player he is today.
One of the most significant lessons Tatum learned from Bryant was about mindset and sacrifice. Bryant asked him how much winning a championship or becoming the best player meant to him and what he was willing to sacrifice for it. This question continues to resonate with Tatum and serves as a constant reminder of the dedication required to achieve greatness.
While Tatum has come close to winning an NBA championship, reaching the Finals in 2022, he expresses his burning desire to finally secure a title. He believes that this Celtics team, which he describes as the most talented and selfless he has played on, has what it takes to achieve that goal. Tatum highlights the team’s collective effort and willingness to sacrifice individual statistics for the sake of winning.
The Celtics’ rich history, with 17 NBA championships, serves as a constant inspiration for Tatum. He aspires to be remembered as one of the best Celtics players of all time, and he knows that winning a championship is a crucial part of achieving that goal. The banners hanging in TD Garden and the practice facility serve as daily reminders of what he is striving for.
Looking ahead, Tatum expresses his eagerness to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. While he was part of the gold medal-winning team in 2021, the experience was not complete due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Tatum looks forward to the opportunity to repeat as a gold medalist and fully enjoy the Olympic experience with his family.
As an Eastern Conference All-Star starter, Tatum appreciates the honor bestowed upon him by the fans. He recognizes the significance of being voted in and never takes it for granted. Tatum also advocates for his teammates, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Derrick White, to join him in Indianapolis for the All-Star game, highlighting their contributions to the Celtics’ success.
In a lighthearted moment, Tatum discusses his involvement in a Ruffles commercial alongside LeBron James, A’ja Wilson, and Charles Barkley. He expresses his enjoyment of filming the commercial and reveals his favorite flavor of Ruffles chips, as well as his son’s preference.
Jayson Tatum’s interview provides a glimpse into his admiration for Kobe Bryant, his drive to win an NBA championship, his appreciation for the Celtics’ legacy, his Olympic aspirations, and his gratitude for being an All-Star. It showcases his growth as a player and his willingness to seek guidance from mentors like Bryant and James. Tatum’s journey is one of determination, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.