"Compare my resume at 27 to Michael Jordan" - NBA skills coach reveals Jayson Tatum's mindset on 'revenge' season narratives

As the defending champions, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics are met with a plethora of expectations for the 2024-25 NBA season. One of those expectations is Tatum's potential "revenge" season. After not playing significant minutes for Team USA, many believe that the 26-year-old star is out for revenge.

However, NBA skills trainer Drew Hanlen revealed that Tatum isn't seeking revenge. Hanlel said Tatum is focused on where he belongs among NBA greats.

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"I think a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, he’s out for revenge,'" Hanlen told ESPN. "I don’t think Jayson looks at it like that. He’s like, ‘Compare my resume at 27 to Michael Jordan, who never won one at 27. Compare it to LeBron, who had won one. Compare it to Steph, who had one.'"

Tatum will turn 27 in March 2025 and he's accomplished something that most NBA stars strive for.

He has multiple All-Star appearances, All-NBA selections and a title. However, what sets him apart from the other great players Hanlen mentioned is the MVP awards.

Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Steph Curry won their first regular-season MVP title before turning 27. Tatum, on the other hand, has not won the award, not even the Finals MVP.

The lack of an MVP title could be the driving force for Tatum in the Celtics' title defense next season.

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Jayson Tatum still has no clue why Steve Kerr benched him at the 2024 Olympics

Jayson Tatum only played in four of the six Olympic games that Team USA competed in. Even though the Olympic games have concluded and the Americans took home the gold medal, Tatum hasn't figured out the reason for his benching.

During their team's media day, Tatum shared with ESPN's Tim Bontemps that he still has no clue why he didn't play against Serbia.

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"Did I need any extra motivation coming into the season? No, I'm not gonna give anybody in particular credit that they're motivating me to come into the season," Tatum said.

"It was a unique circumstance, something I haven't experienced before in my playing career. But I'm a believer that everything happens for a reason. I was coming off a championship, highest of highs, cover of 2K, a new contract, and that happened. Whatever the reason is, I haven't figured out yet. But I am a believer that everything happens for a reason."

During his participation with Team USA, Tatum averaged 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

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