Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has never shied away from paying respect to the greats who came before him, and his latest comments about franchise legend Larry Bird have basketball fans buzzing.
During a recent interview, Tatum opened up about the impact Bird has had on the Celtics organization and how his legacy continues to inspire him and his teammates. The 25-year-old forward, who has been a key figure in Boston’s championship aspirations, acknowledged Bird’s legendary status and what it means to wear the same jersey as one of the NBA’s all-time greats.
“Larry Bird set the standard for what it means to be a Celtic,” Tatum said. “His competitive spirit, his work ethic, and his ability to rise in big moments are things we all try to live up to. Every time I step on the court, I think about the history of this franchise and the players who made it special. Bird is at the top of that list.”
Bird, a three-time NBA champion and three-time MVP, defined an era of dominance for the Celtics in the 1980s. His leadership and clutch performances helped cement Boston’s place as one of the most successful franchises in league history. Tatum, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, is often compared to past Celtics greats, and he embraces the challenge of carrying on their winning tradition.
Tatum’s appreciation for Bird goes beyond just his on-court accomplishments. He has studied the Hall of Famer’s game, watching film to understand his footwork, passing vision, and ability to take over in crucial moments. As Tatum continues to lead the Celtics in their pursuit of another championship, he knows the shadow of legends like Bird will always loom large—but instead of being intimidated, he sees it as motivation.
“The expectation is always to compete for a championship,” Tatum added. “That’s what Bird did, and that’s what we’re trying to do now. It’s an honor to play for this team and to be mentioned in the same conversation as guys like him. But I know I still have a lot more to accomplish.”
With Tatum at the helm, the Celtics remain one of the top contenders in the NBA. While he still has a long way to go to match Bird’s legendary status, his mindset and respect for the game show he’s on the right path. If he can deliver another banner to Boston, he will etch his own name among the greats—just like Larry Legend did decades ago.
