Why did Jayson Tatum not want to be drafted by Celtics? NBA All-Star explains the actual reason

Jayson Tatum, a future NBA great and Boston Celtics standout, made a surprising revelation about his initial draft preferences. Tatum frankly acknowledged his initial reluctance to be drafted by the Celtics in a recent interview. Tatum’s hesitancy was not motivated by a dislike for the legendary franchise, as one might imagine.

Instead, it was motivated by a desire to avoid being the top overall pick and the great responsibility that comes with it. Tatum’s opinion offers insight into the weight of expectations that top draft picks face, as well as insight into the psychology of young players navigating the complicated nature of the NBA draft process.

Why did Jayson Tatum not want to join Celtics?

Jayson Tatum’s incredible career with the Boston Celtics accomplished a historic milestone when he became the franchise’s youngest player to reach 10,000 points. This accomplishment, however, was marked by an unexpected disclosure from Tatum about his early doubts about joining the Celtics.

Despite being regarded as the face of the franchise and the team’s best player, Tatum candidly expressed doubts about joining the Celtics after being drafted third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Tatum’s initial reluctance to join the Celtics stemmed not from any dislike for the franchise, but rather from the enormous pressure and competition he sensed inside the team.

The Celtics had established players like Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Isaiah Thomas, and Marcus Smart at the time, which made Tatum doubt his ability to secure a spot on the team. His primary concern was gaining playing time rather than starting. Tatum’s concerns may seem unfounded in retrospect, given his remarkable rise in the NBA.

He has since earned first-team All-NBA honors and established himself as one of the league’s top players. Tatum acknowledges that his time with the Celtics has been beneficial in terms of learning, influenced by the challenges, ups and downs, and playoff series he has experienced. Ultimately, he understands that opportunities can arise when least expected, and his time with the Celtics has been rewarding.

Jayson Tatum NBA career stats with Celtics

Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ rising star, reached a key career milestone by scoring 10,000 points during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. Tatum, who just turned 25 years old, becomes the Celtics’ youngest player to accomplish this achievement, breaking Antoine Walker’s previous mark of 26 years old.

Tatum’s extraordinary NBA career has been highlighted by sustained progress and great scoring since being picked third overall in 2017. This season, he is averaging an incredible 29.8 points per game, demonstrating his offensive brilliance and importance to the team.

Tatum’s performance against the Nets came in the second quarter when he converted a layup while drawing a foul and then knocked down the free throw. The Celtics coaching staff has taken note of Tatum’s passion for his craft and steadfast desire for growth. Coach Joe Mazzulla lauded Tatum’s work ethic, willingness to be coached, and ability to establish high standards, all of which elevate the team’s performance.

Tatum joins an elite company of NBA superstars as the 10th player in league history to surpass 10,000 career points before his 26th birthday, establishing his position as one of the league’s brightest talents. This accomplishment demonstrates Tatum’s talent and promise.