“It’s like the first day of school tomorrow… Got my outfit laid out” - 3x NBA All-Star can't wait for the new season
Jayson Tatum is all geared up for the 2022-23 NBA season. The Boston Celtics star compared the feeling of starting a new season to the first day of school. During Monday's (October 17th) press conference, Tatum said (via NBC Sports):
"Honestly, it's like the first day of school tomorrow. Got my outfit laid out. I'm just excited... Time flies. It's already my sixth year (in the league), so just trying to stay in the moment and enjoy it 'cause it's a dream come true that I play basketball for a living."
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Tatum and the Celtics enter the new season with great expectations. Boston made a remarkable turnaround mid-way through last season. They had a 23-24 record in January but managed to go 28-7 the rest of the way, finishing as the #2 seed.
Jayson Tatum and company continued their fine run into the 2022 NBA playoffs. They swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, beat the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks in the conference semis, and the Miami Heat in the conference finals en route to their first finals appearance in over a decade.
The Boston Celtics were the favorites to win the championship against the Golden State Warriors in the finals. However, they faltered against their experienced counterparts, blowing a 2-1 series lead and eventually losing in six games.
Jayson Tatum and company will be hoping to brush aside disappointment of 2022 NBA Finals loss
The Boston Celtics have a chance to create NBA history this season. If they win the title, they will no longer have to share the record for the most championship wins (17) in league history with the LA Lakers.
They have one of the strongest and deepest rosters in the NBA. The Celtics have two young leaders, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have grown into their roles over the last year. Tatum and Brown are surrounded by a talented group of players like Marcus Smart, Al Horford and Robert Williams, among others.
"We're trying to get a championship, and it starts with tomorrow."
Jayson Tatum and the rest of the crew can't wait to get back on the court for tomorrow's season-opener, as we look to take care of some unfinished business.
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The Boston Celtics knew they were in a great position to win the championship last season. They will be motivated to make amends. The current group has tasted an NBA Finals run. It will prepare them better mentally if they find themselves in a similar position this season.
Boston faced a roadblock even before the season started, with coach Ime Udoka suspended for the year. He ignited a spark within the team. They will miss his voice and leadership in the locker room.
Nevertheless, there could be some continuity with the style they adapted under Udoka, with his assistant Joe Mazzulla taking over as interim coach. There is also continuity with the personnel on the roster. The Celtics should be able to cope with this issue and pursue their 18th championship win.