He has modeled his game after the late Kobe Bryant — regardless of most not considering him an elite face of the National Basketball Association — but he is closing in on becoming a back-to-back NBA Champion.
Jayson Tatum has the chance to set more Boston Celtics history
Jayson Tatum has Boston on an eight-game winning streak after Saturday’s double-double performance in a 121-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He had 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and a block for the Celtics. Tatum tasted the champagne of a Larry O’Brien trophy last season and wants that feeling again. The 27-year-old small forward is one of the bright young stars in the league in his eighth season. Tatum is a fresh perspective for the NBA in a time where load management is very popular.
He rarely misses a game as he is first on the court for the Celtics in pregame warmups. Colin Cowherd, host of The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Fox Sports 1, called Tatum the ‘heartbeat’ of the NBA on his Volume podcast.
Sunday thoughts on Lead Management & Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/eQC0HCpdzz
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) March 30, 2025
“You know where load management isn’t a problem? Boston. That’s because in an NBA locker room, the culture is set by the best player. It is a game of follow the leader. If your star shows up every night, the rest of the team falls in line. Forget load management. I want lead management. Jayson Tatum … He is that guy,” Cowherd said. “I’ve been to three or four Celtics games. He is always the first guy on the floor in warmups. Locked in on both ends. He’s not coasting, not pacing himself. He plays and plays hard every single night. That is a big deal.”
Cowherd mentioned at a time where load management is a cute trend, Tatum embodies old school qualities.
He wants to give fans something special every night and lead his team to wins.
Tatum has Boston behind Cleveland as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
