As the Boston Celtics gear up for another season, Jayson Tatum arrived at media day with a sense of purpose. This summer marked a pivotal moment in his career, highlighted by significant achievements: he became the cover athlete for NBA 2K25, clinched an Olympic gold medal, celebrated an NBA championship, and secured a five-year, $315 million contract extension with the Celtics. These milestones not only reflect his talent but also solidify his status as a rising star in the league.

On the Celtics Media Day, he was about his journey and more, by the NBA TV reporters.  Tatum shared his determination to keep evolving. He remarked, “At 26, I guess as accomplished as I am, I just always feel like overall I can still get better. You haven’t seen the best version of Jayson Tatum.” This statement encapsulates his mindset: despite his successes, he remains hungry for growth. It’s a testament to his work ethic and belief that his best days are still ahead.

Tatum’s commitment to improvement is evident in his recent focus on mechanical adjustments to his game. Upon returning to the Celtics facility, teammate Al Horford noted Tatum’s dedication, stating, “I’m walking in at 8, 8:15 a.m., and JT’s already done.” Tatum had been up early, despite returning from a trip to China, and had engaged in two-a-day workouts with his longtime skills coach Drew Hanlen and physical therapist Nick Sang.

This scary training addressed a mechanical issue in his jumper that had surfaced during the previous season and reemerged in the playoffs and Olympics. Tatum’s dedication to fine-tuning his skills demonstrates his commitment to excellence as he prepares for the challenges of the new season. His recent experiences have ignited a fire within him. These challenges have shaped his determination as he gears up for the season ahead. But what motivated Tatum to adopt this intense workout regimen?

Rollercoaster of highs and lows: Jayson Tatum’s previous season

Jayson Tatum’s journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Sure, he celebrated winning the NBA championship, but not winning the Finals MVP award raised some eyebrows and sparked conversations about his role among the league’s elite. Moreover, being benched during key Olympic games only added fuel to the fire. Instead of letting these setbacks get him down, Tatum has turned them into motivation, pushing himself to elevate his game as he gears up for the new season.

As he looks ahead, Tatum is excited for what’s to come but knows there are questions about whether he can take his game to the next level. A big part of his mindset has been shaped by head coach Joe Mazzulla, who had cynical views on his challenges. Tatum told The Athletic’s Jared Weiss, “I talked to Joe a lot. Joe was probably the happiest person in the world that I didn’t win Finals MVP and I didn’t play in two of the games at the Olympics. That was odd. But if you know Joe, it makes sense.”

This perspective from Mazzulla has instilled a renewed sense of focus in Tatum. Mazzulla personally believes that the snubs Tatum received will motivate him for the upcoming season. He’s not just striving for personal accolades; he wants to lead his team and build on their championship success. With a fresh mindset and Mazzulla’s support, the real question is: can Tatum harness this motivation to not only enhance his skills but also propel the Celtics to another title run?