After winning the NBA championship, the Boston Celtics basked in the glory of their first title since 2008. As the confetti settled and the cheers faded, Jayson Tatum found himself at a pivotal moment. Despite Tatum leading the team with an average of 22.2 points per game over the series, the jubilant celebrations brought forth a different narrative: his All-Star teammate, Jaylen Brown, was awarded Finals MVP.

As the summer unfolded, Tatum faced another challenge. During Team USA’s run for Olympic gold, he was benched in two crucial games, against Serbia. This further fueled doubts about his status as a star. These experiences left Tatum with much to ponder heading into the new season.

As the Celtics celebrated their annual media day, Tatum shared insights into his relationship with head coach Joe Mazzulla. Tatu told The Athletic’s Jared Weiss about Mazzulla thought. “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.”

According to The Athletic, Mazzulla was happy because he wanted Tatum “gifted potential sources of motivation”. This statement highlighted Mazzulla’s unique approach. On the one hand, Mazzulla views these slights as potentially inspiring Tatum to put on a clinical performance this season. On the other hand, Tatum seemed to have taken the disappointments in its stride. Does it it mean the player is prepared and raring to go?

As the Celtics gear up for the new season, Tatum is channeling his experiences into a ‘revenge tour,’ determined to silence critics and elevate his game. With Mazzulla’s statement, he aims to transform the narrative, proving he’s not just a champion but a key leader ready to drive the team forward.

The 2024-25 season: Jayson Tatum’s revenge tour?

As the Boston Celtics gear up for the new season, Jayson Tatum is channeling his summer experiences into a focused drive for improvement. Back at the Celtics’ facility, Tatum’s commitment was evident when veteran Al Horford noticed him working out early one morning. “I’m walking in at 8, 8:15 a.m., and JT’s already done,” Horford said, highlighting Tatum’s dedication even after returning from a trip to China. “It was easy to get up early,” Tatum explained, emphasizing his focus on family and basketball.

Tatum’s commitment to improvement goes well beyond merely arriving at the gym early. He’s been participating in two-a-day workouts, which involve intensive training sessions both in the morning and later in the day. These sessions are guided by his longtime skills coach, Drew Hanlen, and physical therapist, Nick Sang.

The focus of this rigorous training is to correct a mechanical issue in Tatum’s shooting form. This problem not only affected his performance during the regular season but also became evident in high-pressure situations like the playoffs and Olympics. Tatum’s dedication signals his determination to improve and prove himself. With the weight of recent experiences on his shoulders, he’s channeling his efforts into a focused comeback. The question remains: will this relentless work pay off in the upcoming season?