Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals in San Francisco, Monday, June 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)AP
If any one member of the Celtics heard the criticism the loudest after the NBA Finals, it was arguably Jayson Tatum. He struggled in spurts throughout the playoffs, but his performance in the closeout Game 6 left the Celtics wanting more from their All-NBA forward.
But that’s in the past, and the offseason’s a chance to reset. While Tatum said in Summer League he still thinks about the Finals loss every day,
The Celtics are also in prime position to return right back to the NBA Finals with their newly improved roster. Boston brought in Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari during the offseason, shoring up its depth. The C’s are the reigning East champs and they’re one of the title favorites going into next season. So there’s plenty of confidence for Tatum and the C’s going forward.
“I always believe in myself and believe in my teammates,” Tatum said on NBC Sports Boston on Thursday. “Obviously, we got close, got to Game 6. We didn’t make it happen. This offseason, everything’s just about getting back to that point of getting over the hump. Obviously, we added two great pieces that I feel make us a lot better and complement our team extremely well.”
There are still some major moves that could happen across the league — one that affects the Celtics. Boston was linked to the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, which could mean Jaylen Brown would be moved in any hypothetical trade. Tatum didn’t get into those trade talks when asked about it last week, adding “I love our team” and that he just plays basketball.
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