Many NBA stars choose to rest and sit out games throughout the long and grueling 82-game season, but Jayson Tatum is not one of those players.
Throughout his six-year career, the Boston Celtics forward has only missed 33 games. In comparison, last season alone, Kawhi Leonard, often associated with load management, missed the same number of games for the Los Angeles Clippers, including his three absences in the playoffs.
Tatum has never missed more than eight games in a single season, and this number could have been lower if it weren’t for coach-turned-general manager Brad Stevens advocating for rest against Tatum’s wishes. Tatum recently shared his mindset on not taking games off during his inaugural Jayson Tatum Elite Camp, where he spoke in front of young basketball campers.
He expressed that he doesn’t decide to sit out games just because they may seem less significant. Tatum recognizes that fans pay to watch him play and that there are young kids wearing his jersey and shoes.
“Man, I don’t decide ‘s–t, we’re playing the Hornets tonight, Imma [sic] chill.’ I only get to go to Charlotte two times a year. Somebody paid their money to come watch me play,” said Tatum. “Not trying to be arrogant, but there’s a bunch of kids in there with my shoes and my jersey on.
“And just because we’re playing Charlotte on NBA League Pass on a Monday that ain’t nobody f—ing watching, I’m chilling tonight. That’s not what the best players do. … Ranked player or not, big game or not big game, compete. Play basketball. Don’t take this s–t for granted.”
As real as it gets. ? @jaytatum0 @jumpman23 pic.twitter.com/Q7o3CxaH9j
— EliteYouthBasketball (@NikeEYB) July 25, 2023
He believes that regardless of the opponent or the game’s importance, the best players always compete and don’t take the opportunity to play for granted. Tatum’s mentality aligns with legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who always gave their all in every game, aiming to put on a show for fans.
Tatum’s dedication to playing every game is evident, and it’s no surprise that he is influenced by his idol Bryant and strives to adopt a similar approach.
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