“That’s Not Who I Am”: Jayson Tatum Sends a Bold Message to Celtics Fans of Not Being Anything Like Franchise Legend Kevin Garnett

The Boston Celtics have had the privilege of housing some of the greatest talents in the NBA. Right from the 1950s, the Celtics have been home to the most iconic talents which has made them the joint most successful franchise in the history of the league. One such player is their current franchise player, Jayson Tatum. However, how does the 25-year-old power forward fare against one of the greatest in that position?

Celtics legend, Kevin Garnett is undoubtedly one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game. Ferocious defense, emphatic post-presence and extreme intensity, Big Ticket was unlike any other. Since his exit from the franchise in 2013, the team struggled to find their star power forward for years until the arrival of Jayson Tatum. However, the 4-time All-Star says he is nothing like their legendary power forward, Garnett.

Jayson Tatum dismisses Kevin Garnett comparisons

Two phenomenal power forwards wearing the Celtics colors, hard not to draw parallels right? However, Jayson Tatum feels there is no basis for this claim. The 25-year-old is currently one of the league’s best forwards. But unlike Kevin Garnett’s intensity, Tatum’s personality can be described as “reserved, quiet and laid back.” Hence, while talking about how he compares to one of the franchise’s greatest power forwards, he dismissed the claim.

“I’m never going to be Kevin Garnett,” Tatum said. “As much as people want me to be, that’s not who I am. The way I lead, the public may not ever see what I do.”

Tatum cleared the air about the comparisons with the Big Ticket. However, he did mention that he would like to be compared to some other fabled Celtics players. “I would love to be on the Mount Rushmore of Celtics,” said the 4-time All-Star. “Bird, Russell, Paul Pierce and those guys. They paved the way. The one thing all those guys have is chips….I want to be an all-time great, I want to be known as a winner, and I believe I will be.” he added.

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Garnett may not make it to the Mount Rushmore according to plenty but he definitely is one of the most celebrated Celtic of all-time. Now, Tatum has taken up the role of leading the team as a power forward, following Big Ticket’s footsteps. However, the 25-year-old has set his sights on one goal – winning championships. So can the 4-time All-Star lead his team to glory like the Big Ticket himself?

Can Tatum emulate Garnett’s success?

When you look at Tatum and Garnett’s career so far, you can already witness a stark contrast. While Garnett led a team that never appeared in the NBA Finals early in his career, Tatum is the franchise player for the joint most successful franchise in the league. With a Finals appearance already under his belt, Tatum has set himself apart from the Big Ticket. However, the former MVP won a ring with the Celtics in his very first season. When can Tatum emulate this incredible feat?

Tatum has evidently played his heart out for the Celtics so far. The 25-year-old has led the team to a playoff appearance in all his seasons, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals thrice. He also became one among only six players last season to average over 30 PPG, putting up 30.1 PPG. However, none of this has translated to the franchise’s 18th banner that has eluded them for 15 years.

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Evidently, Tatum has a long road ahead. After some major upgrades to their roster, the Celtics look ready to take another shot at their 18th championship. Tatum naturally will be the most crucial piece on their roster in their attempt to raise up another banner in the Garden.