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Toucher & Hardy

Exclusive: Celtics Star Forward Jayson Tatum Joins Toucher & Hardy

Author Kyle Fabrizio

On Wednesday’s edition of Toucher & Hardy, Jayson Tatum joined the show from Celtics media day. While talking with Hardy and Wallach, Tatum discussed his hectic offseason, the team’s mindset heading into the new year, and even some of his personal goals.

“No, We’re Going Out to Win The Championship”

Wallach: So you were talking about how cluttered the summer was, so I started to write things down. You win the title, you go to Vegas, Abu Dhabi, London, and Paris. I then saw you in a picture on the Great Wall of China. Is that right? Great Wall of China, then New York City to rap about children’s books with Jimmy Fallon. Now you’re going back to Abu Dhabi next week. Did I miss anything?

Jayson Tatum: I was in L.A. last night for the Netflix premiere, and I got back at 7 a.m.

Wallach: Of course. Are you tired? There was no downtime for how many months after you win the title? There was no downtime, was there?

Jayson Tatum: Not really. But like I said, it’s a good problem to have. That means we had a good season.

Wallach: You were on the cover of NBA 2K25, now honestly, was that a goal of yours to be on the cover of that game?

NBA: Finals-Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics
© Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla holds up the trophy as he celebrates after winning the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum: Yeah, that was something I dreamed about as a kid, and when I finally found out the news, you know that was something I could check off the list of things I wanted to accomplish.

Hardy: It seems like everybody is either picking you guys or has a strong sense that you’re going to be back for good reason. How do you feel about this unique position for you as the defending champion now? What’s your mindset going in just your expectations for the season? What are they?

Jayson Tatum: I think it’s no different than any other year. Obviously we won the championship and we know what it takes to complete the mission. We’re not going in with the mindset that we needed to win the title because we feel like the word, “defend” is like we’re on our heels and we’re waiting for people to attack us. No, we’re going out to win the championship.

Listen to The Full Segment Here!

The Celtics are built to repeat

The defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics have made waves all offseason with GM Brad Stevens resigning just about the entire title winning team over the summer. Stevens struck again on Wednesday night with the signing of 25-year old Lonnie Walker IV. Walker is a 6’4 shooting guard who can play the 3 when asked, last season Walker averaged 9.7 points and shot 38% on three-pointers in 58 games for the Brooklyn Nets.

While some casual NBA fans will say, so what the NBA Champs added Lonnie Walker the roster was loaded already this isn’t really a major move. I would agree with the sentiment but when you factor in just how much basketball this group has played over the last few seasons. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown making deep playoff runs every year the deeper the bench the better for Boston’s chances of repeating.

The Celtics were able to retain just about all of their players from last season but did lose Oshae Brissett and I believe Walker to be an upgrade over Brissett. Walker is a better shooter which we know Joe Mazzulla loves. His ability to spread the floor and be a consistent threat from outside is an upgrade over Brissett who was a .273 shooter from beyond the arc last season.

So while on the surface this is a very marginal move for the Celtics. Any move that bolsters the roster for a team looking to repeat as NBA champions is welcomed. The more rest they can give their stars throughout the season the more well rested they should be for another deep playoff run.

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    Author Kyle Fabrizio
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