Jayson Tatum describes struggles he went through before getting drafted to NBA: “For most of my life I didn’t have money”
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is another player who has experienced struggles before making it big in the NBA. During a sit-down conversation with Graham Bensinger, the three-time All-Star shared how he and his family made ends meet before his success.
Tatum had the opportunity to share the vast difference in his life prior to the NBA.
"I was in high school six years ago," Tatum said. "So, most of my life, I didn't have money. I didn't have an investment account, checking account or credit card. So, I know what it's like to struggle and not have.
"I remember when I first started geting checks. They'd end up filling my cars up. I would call my mom and be like, 'Mom, how much money is on this debit card?' She'll be like, 'Alright, it's $15.' Then, I could fill my tank up, so I could get to school and back and don't make any stops, because that tank had to last me the whole week.
"And just so I can go to the gas station and get gas, whenever, I remember when I couldn't do that."
Jayson Tatum: Looking back just six years and appreciating what I'm able to provide my family now
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Two years ago, the former Duke forward signed a five-year $195 million deal to stay in Boston. Since then, he's been playing as an MVP candidate and, last season, led the team to the finals for the first time since 2010. Tatum has elevated his game, giving his team a better chance at winning the title this season.
BREAKING: Jayson Tatum signs 5-Year/$195 Million contract extension with Boston, via @wojespn
Also read: Jayson Tatum doesn't want his duo with Jaylen Brown to be compared to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen: “Last year y’all wanted to trade one of us"
Jayson Tatum could win the MVP award this season
The race to win the Michael Jordan Trophy has been tight since the start of the season. In the first few weeks, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks took over the top spot in the MVP race. Since then, Jayson Tatum has dethroned him and was able to keep the top spot in NBA.com's Kia MVP Ladder for himself for a few weeks as well.
Jayson Tatum MVP case:
— 31/8/4
— Best player on the best team
— 1st in +/-
— Top 5 in PPG
— Top 10 in threes
— Most PPG ever by a Celtic
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Right now, there's no clear-cut player who has the edge over the others. In the NBA's most recent ratings of the MVP race, it was Giannis Antetokounmpo who took over the top spot, while Tatum fell to the third spot. While voting may be tighter this year, the Celtics star has an advantage over the others.
Since the start of the season, Boston (25-10) has been atop the Eastern Conference. They have been able to sustain a high level of play, which has given the team a huge advantage.
The two-time All-NBA forward is averaging 31.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Jayson Tatum is also shooting 47.7%, including 35.7% of his shots from long distance. If the vote takes place today, the 6-foot-9 All-Star could win the award for his excellent play, as well as how he's been able to be an effective leader for the Celtics.
Also read: Jayson Tatum going full "Ric Flair" on other MVP candidates lauded by NFL analyst