BOSTON — Lacking out on the Finals MVP award and getting benched within the Olympics will need to have been difficult for Jayson Tatum to deal with.
Nonetheless, he mentioned Tuesday morning, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla liked to see the All-NBA ahead gifted potential sources of motivation.
“Joe was most likely the happiest individual on the planet that I didn’t win Finals MVP and that I didn’t play in two of the video games within the Olympics,” Tatum mentioned on the Celtics’ media day. “So, that was odd, but when you realize Joe it is smart.”
Jayson Tatum: “I talked to Joe rather a lot. Joe was most likely the happiest individual on the planet that I didn’t win Finals MVP and I didn’t play in two of the video games on the Olympics. That was odd. But when you realize Joe, it is smart.”
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) September 24, 2024
The Celtics received Tatum’s first NBA championship in June by beating the Dallas Mavericks in 5 video games, however the Finals MVP award went to Jaylen Brown. Tatum later captured an Olympic gold medal with Group USA, however acquired two DNP-CDs (didn’t play as a result of coach’s choice) through the match. Steve Kerr’s choice to bench Tatum was shocking given the 26-year-old’s pedigree.
Mazzulla should consider the experiences will encourage Tatum.
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“Did I would like any motivation coming into the season?” Tatum mentioned. “No. I’m not going to provide anyone specifically credit score that that motivated me to come back into the season. It was a novel circumstance, one thing I (hadn’t) skilled earlier than in my enjoying profession, however I’m a believer that the whole lot occurs for a purpose. I used to be coming off a championship, the best of the highs, the quilt of 2K and a brand new contract, after which that occurred.
“And no matter the reason being, I haven’t discovered but, however I’m a believer that the whole lot does occur for a purpose. But it surely was an excellent expertise. We received a gold medal, I received my second one. I used to be round a few of the greatest gamers ever to play the sport each day, constructed some friendships and was capable of carry my household on the market and benefit from the Olympics as a complete. In order that was a plus for me for positive.”
Boston teammates Derrick White and Jrue Vacation additionally received gold medals with Group USA.
Like Tatum, Brown may doubtlessly use the Olympics as gasoline. Coming off a playoff run throughout which he earned the Japanese Convention Finals MVP and the Finals MVP, Brown was handed over for a spot on the Olympic roster even after Kawhi Leonard left the workforce over the summer time. Brown laughed when the primary query for him on media day addressed the snub.
“Goddamn,” Brown mentioned. “We are able to’t heat up a bit? S—.”
Brown proceeded to counsel he stored the choice in thoughts over the offseason.
“I’m extraordinarily motivated for apparent causes,” Brown mentioned, “and I’m able to get after it.”
“I’m able to go,” he added. “I’m enthusiastic about being again. The previous is the previous however I’m able to get after it, lead our guys, get the fellows, construct some workforce chemistry, not skip any steps and simply set the tone for an additional 12 months once more.”
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(Picture: Maddie Malhotra / Getty Pictures)
