Jayson Tatum
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.'Collection: Mom
Once you get to the tournament, it's like, win or go home.Collection: Home
The playoffs bring the best out of people.Collection: Best
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.Collection: Best
At the end of the day, we all want to win, so everybody has to sacrifice when you want to be a part of something special.
You gotta have confidence in yourself first before anybody else will. I've always had that.
I just try to stay in my little circle. And I don't try to do too much. And when my opportunity comes, I just try to make the most of it.
Just keep having fun. It's basketball. So that's what I'm going to keep doing.
If I see a spider in my room, I gotta sleep on the couch for, like, two days.
When I play bad, I don't get too down on myself. When I play good, I don't get too hot.
I'm a big candle guy.
I am growing up, but I still need help along the way.
I've always lived with my mom. My whole life.
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.
You've just got to bring it every night. And that's what makes the great players great.
There's no better way to start your career than by playing probably the best guy in the league.
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.
Man, I'm always going to back up my teammates.
I don't have anything to eat in my house but chips and Gatorade.
I'm the biggest mama's boy ever, and I'm proud to say it.
No matter what team you're playing for, the ultimate goal is to be the last team standing.
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.
Being able to provide for your kids in a way that maybe your parents couldn't do for you is a great feeling.
I play the best and have the most fun when the stage is brightest.
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.
Obviously, getting stronger is the key, and knowing how to use my body, knowing what to expect.
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.
I don't really want to get too heavy, you know. I still want to be able to move in the paint.
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.
The East is tougher than a lot of people give us credit for.
I just care about winning and doing what I can while I'm on the floor.
I'm a pretty good free-throw shooter, so getting fouled is a good thing.
I don't know how to handle all the trade talks.
Thin crust, provolone cheese, marinara sauce - it's just a St. Louis thing. That's what I grew up eating.
I used to hate Boston.
My relationships with the Duke coaches were the best, and they made me a priority.
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.
I don't really think about it. I just try to find my opportunity and then attack.
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.
Not too many people know what they want to do at 3 and then go do it.
I'm looking to try to do more out there and just taking advantage of the opportunities that I've been given.
The Celtics were always going to pick me No. 1, but Philly didn't know that.
All I used to want to do was shoot fadeaways like Kobe because he was my favorite player.
Growing up with videos and YouTube, being able to see content from the '90s - music and games - that really helped me stay connected with the time before me.
Each person's workout is really different. It's tailored to be what's most needed for them. Everybody's different.
School was very important. But I needed to watch basketball.
I still think it's mind-blowing when famous people know who I am.
It's been a dream come true, you know, just making it to the NBA and being drafted by a great franchise like Boston.
It feels great just finally knowing where I'm going and have some place to call home. And I'm glad it's Boston.
Because I grew up in a single parent home with my mom, growing up, things weren't always the best.