In a bold assertion, Tatum, an NBA star, stakes his claim as the league’s pinnacle, declaring, “I’m the Best.”
According to a report from NBC Sports Boston, Jayson Tatum, the star player for the Celtics, declared himself as the top player in the NBA during a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Unlike his previous choice of Milwaukee Bucks’ forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as the best player last year, Jayson confidently asserted, “Myself.”
Acknowledging the talent of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid, Tatum expressed his belief in his abilities.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for a lot of guys in this league,” Tatum told Andrews. “Giannis for sure, (Nikola) Jokic obviously just won (a championship), (Joel) Embiid, guys who’ve won MVPs. The list goes on. The league is in a great place. I truly do believe every night I step out on the floor that I’m the best player.”
Jayson’s demeanor has evolved over his seven seasons with the Celtics, showing increased leadership and emotional investment. Despite being only 25 years old, he attributes his confidence to his work ethic and dedication to the game.
“Maybe I’ve kinda grown into my own in a sense. I’m still young, 25, but it’s my seventh year in the league,” Tatum said. “I’m very confident because I know how hard I work and how much I put into this game. I know how badly I want to be one of the best and how badly I want to win. Why wouldn’t I be confident? I know how hard I work.”
Last season, Tatum became the first Celtics player to average over 30 points per game, and although his scoring has slightly decreased this season, still an impressive 27 points per game, his overall performance has improved across various metrics. With a more talented and deeper team this year, Tatum doesn’t feel the same pressure to dominate every game.
In fact, Tatum believes that this season’s Celtics team surpasses the one that reached the 2022 NBA Finals. He credits the improvement of players like Jaylen Brown and the addition of Kristaps Porzingis for enhancing the team’s capabilities. He also emphasizes the exceptional team chemistry this season, highlighting the players’ ability to coexist and perform together.
“I love the way that we’re playing,” Tatum said. “Obviously I love our record, 43-12, but the way that we’re playing, the way guys are coexisting together, there’s a difference from last year. And we had a really good team last year, but I love where we’re at this year compared to last season.”
Currently leading the league standings post-All-Star break, the Celtics are gearing up to resume their regular season schedule against the Bulls in Chicago on Thursday.
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