Jayson Tatum Eases Celtics Fans’ Concern With Awesome Quote

Jayson Tatum signed a mammoth $314 million supermax contract extension with the Boston Celtics after helping lead the historic franchise to its 18th NBA title last June.

Even without the massive contract, the Celtics star made it clear he has no intention of leaving Boston, according to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.

“Time flies,” Tatum said, per Spears. “I was drafted in 2017 … My son was born here. I bought my first car here. And for me, I admire and love the relationships I’ve built within the organization, all the coaches that I’ve had, obviously, the front office, security guards, trainers, chefs, the fans, the people that work at the Garden, all the ball boys that do our laundry. The relationships I’ve built over the last seven, eight years, I can’t imagine starting over and leaving them or this place.”

Tatum added: “Obviously, it’s a lot more and I’m grateful for all that has come my way. But more so, they want me to be here. I understand that I got a footprint in helping build the Celtics’ legacy. A small part that I feel like I’m a part of. There are a bunch of 10-year-olds in Boston who will feel like I’m part of their childhood. ‘I grew up watching him play at the Garden. I grew up watching him win championships.’ In a sports town like Boston, that’s special to be a part of.”

Winning a title cemented Tatum’s place in Celtics history alongside players like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

“To be a part of Celtics history, you have to have won a championship,” Tatum said. “We have 18 now. All the best players here have won a championship. You are held to the highest standard. You at least have to win one. It felt good to get that. I’m happy about that.”