BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics smiles during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on November 22, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Maddie Meyer / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Even though Jayson Tatum, 25, is still in the middle of his career, he is already making a lasting impression on Celtics fans. However, the five-time All-Star’s achievements keep coming, as evidenced by his numerous All-NBA selections and deep postseason campaigns.
Tatum, who has represented the Celtics as their face for a number of years, dropped a subtle hint on Sunday before the All-Star game in Indianapolis. In an interview with TNT’s Jamal Crawford, Tatum explained why he might have to aim for MVP honors in his second consecutive All-Star Game.
“We can,” Tatum said of hoping for the award. “I ain’t going to lie, I met Larry Bird tonight for the first time. I never met Larry Bird in my life. I got to meet him. I was anxious. I got some juices flowing for the game right now.”
Of course, there’s little denying what Bird meant for the city of Boston during his playing days, whether it was racking up MVPs or championships. So for now, C’s fans will hope some of that success will rub off on Tatum — starting with this year in what could be their best chance at Banner No. 18.
The last time a player went for back-to-back All-Star game MVPs was Russell Westbrook from 2015-16. Well, Tatum has a chance to go for the same thing because he won All-Star MVP last year after putting up 55 points in a victory, including some back-and-forth with Jaylen Brown.
This year, the All-Star game is back to the old-school East vs. West format. That means Tatum will team up with Brown instead of having a little one-on-one action during the middle of the game. Tatum is set to be a starter while Brown is a reserve. It’s Tatum’s fifth straight All-Star appearance while Brown has made it in three of the last four seasons.
Tatum stated on Saturday before the game that he didn’t think he would go for consecutive MVP appearances and that it was a “feel thing.” However, it seems that he was energized by his first encounter with a legendary member of the Celtics.
