“The Ups and Downs”: Days After the Jrue Holiday Inclusion, Jayson Tatum Sheds Light on Celtics Legend’s Biggest Influence in Him

The stakes for the Boston Celtics among fans have considerably shot up since the Jrue Holiday trade. While the Celtics fans missed the original core three players, Holiday filled up the Marcus Smart void on the paper. Despite all the positives ahead of the upcoming season, Jayson Tatum opened about his biggest influence of a Celtics legend. Importantly, he also shed light on his takeaways to bring the championship home.

The Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have been two of the most successful teams in NBA history with 17 titles. Regardless of their successful franchise history, the Celtics’ last championship came in the year 2008. Not to undermine the brilliance of Tatum & Co in the current era, as they have consistently reached the deep end of the playoff in recent years. They have been missing a trick. However, JT’s recent camaraderie with a legend from the 2008 championship team could tweak the results. Let’s find out more!

Jayson Tatum gears up for 2023-24 challenge with a 2008 influence

Over the last 10 years, the Celtics have consistently qualified for the playoffs. Several times, the team almost reached out to nab the trophy. The Celtics seemed to be missing something, that 2008 team had to defeat Kobe Bryant‘s Lakers. However, Jayson Tatum‘s recent friendship with 2008 champion, Paul Pierce, could work some magic for the team. In a recent interview, JT opened up about Pierce’s influence in him.

Sitting down with Chris Forsberg, Tatum discussed various things to look forward to in the upcoming season. He also spoke about Pierce, when Forsberg asked about his influence. JT added, “His (Pierce) experiences, especially in O8 season, you know the ups and downs… How they empowered everybody.” He further stressed on how important it is for everyone in the team to pitch in to win the trophy.

Furthermore he added, “It was just cool to hear him talk about especially the 08 team and you know how much fun that was and you know the battles and arguments and the good times… Just hearing those stories uh was cool.”

Read More: “Taking Jayson Tatum over Luka”: Days After Losing ‘Brotha For Life’ to Luka Doncic, Celtics Star Picked Over the Slovenian by ex-NBA Champ

The Celtics’ 2008 championship wasn’t an easy task, but an Everest to climb to beat the Lakers.

Celtics beats Kobe’s Lakers

While the NBA world was already aware of the Mamba mentality, it was hard to transcend the confidence into the Celtics roster. Nevertheless, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Pierce had it covered for the Boston fans in 2008.

They pulled off a 4-2 victory against the Pau Gasol, Bryant led side and brought back the lost glory. The important question is, will the new Celtics side repeat the same?

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What do you make of Tatum & Co ahead of the season? Will they lift the trophy? Let us know in the comments.