I'm looking to try to do more out there and just taking advantage of the opportunities that I've been given.
— Jayson Tatum
Not too many people know what they want to do at 3 and then go do it.
I love Coach K's passion to coach his players and to coach the game. I examined and watched the interaction between him and his staff, along with the players, and was impressed how hard they played.
When I was, like, 4 or 5, I'd just always tell - my mom would ask me what I wanted to be when I got older. And I would just be like, 'I wanna be Kobe.' She'd be like, 'You wanna be in the NBA?' 'No, like, I wanna be Kobe.'
I've always lived with my mom. My whole life.
I don't know how to handle all the trade talks.
I just care about winning and doing what I can while I'm on the floor.
I don't really want to get too heavy, you know. I still want to be able to move in the paint.
I'm not afraid of anything.
If I see a spider in my room, I gotta sleep on the couch for, like, two days.
I was fortunate enough to make it to where I want to be. There could be other kids as talented or more talented than me in whatever they want to be but don't have the resources to pursue their dream. Maybe they have to get a job instead to help their mom with the bills.
There's no better way to start your career than by playing probably the best guy in the league.
My mom tried to not let me see how much we were struggling, but I noticed it. I think that's what made me work harder. I saw how hard she was working, and I just wanted a better life for both of us.
My relationships with the Duke coaches were the best, and they made me a priority.
When I play bad, I don't get too down on myself. When I play good, I don't get too hot.
Most guys in my position don't get drafted to such a high-caliber team like the Celtics, so it makes me work harder because I have to compete and earn everything.
Kobe Bryant was the reason I started playing basketball - always was and will be my favorite player of all time. I love the way he could get his shot off, his footwork down in the post, just his determination to be the best player.
The East is tougher than a lot of people give us credit for.
That's what I am trying to be, just trying to affect the game any way possible, rebounding, getting a block, or trying to get a stop even when your shot isn't falling, because, at the end of the day, all that matters is whether you win or lose.
One day I'd have 20 points, the next day two points. I was dribbling the ball off my leg. I couldn't understand why. The media started asking me, 'Is this because you are a new dad?' I didn't want to blame my son. There are plenty of people in much worse situations, and they make it work. I have to do that, too.
I play the best and have the most fun when the stage is brightest.
There's a lot of talented guys, but at the end of the day, you've got to go out there and get it. It's really about who's competing and who wants it more on both ends of the floor.
I don't really think about it. I just try to find my opportunity and then attack.
I used to hate Boston.
Thin crust, provolone cheese, marinara sauce - it's just a St. Louis thing. That's what I grew up eating.
I am growing up, but I still need help along the way.
I'm a pretty good free-throw shooter, so getting fouled is a good thing.
Coach K always wanted me to talk more, even when I was in college. That's something I'm going to do as I get older.
Obviously, getting stronger is the key, and knowing how to use my body, knowing what to expect.
I'm a big candle guy.
Being able to provide for your kids in a way that maybe your parents couldn't do for you is a great feeling.
