The Ringer: Jayson Tatum Is Up to the Challenge - By Kevin O'Connor

[Monkhouse]

Excellent article by Kevin O'Connor, presented really well, and I thought a lot of the background story helped instill some perspective of what kind of person Tatum was growing up.

The deciding factor and the story of how Ainge originally decided to choose Fultz, but grew concerned after a lackluster workout. And how he planned to trade Tatum's rights for George, but settling on him.

He also breaks down the stats of how Tatum has progressed offensively. The story behind Coach Pops proclaiming Tatum had the potential to be a two-way player like George or Kawhi.

It really does give you some in-depth look to why Tatum pushed himself so hard.

“My greatest fear is that Jayson has too much success and that he doesn’t maintain that level of work, humility, and desire to continue to become as great as some of the greatest players in the game,” Ainge admitted. “Now people are going to come after you, and you’re going to be challenged even more and more. And if you really want to honor Kobe, you must have the same kind of work ethic, drive, and motivation to become truly great.”

I think one thing that stands out about Jayson Tatum, that's pretty impressive, is his will and determination to fight adversity. Especially, during his Duke days, when coach K ripped into him suggesting his 'soft,' mentality, and how Tatum exploded to take over the game.

But most of all his willingness to prove to himself, and Kobe, that he was more than meets the eye.

Across the table is Kobe Bryant, who invited Tatum to meet at his office and work out at the gym the next day. It’s all too overwhelming, and the Black Mamba senses Tatum is anxious. “What’s up, Jayson? Don’t be nervous,” Bryant tells him. “Let’s just talk.”

And so they did. For hours. Bryant told Tatum how he dealt with the pressures of being a teenager in the NBA, taught him ways to prepare mentally for games, and discussed how he made the most of his 20-year Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers. “Don’t wait for a perfect situation—make the situation,” Kobe said. “Don’t wait for someone to hand it to you. Don’t let anybody stop you from being great. No matter your situation, no matter how old you are, be that guy.”

Rest in peace Kobe... You will be missed.

Thank you for giving Tatum, the push that he needed to elevate his game.

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/3/3/21162615/jayson-tatum-boston-celtics

[Androslav]

Good stuff from KOC.

Wasn't there a thread with people claiming that Kobe would be a negative influence on him?

[liam]

I have to hand it to Kevin O'Conner because he was always all in on Tatum from before the Draft on and people did ridicule him for that but he was convinced that Tatum was the best player in the draft. If I remember correctly....

[footey]

Great article by KOC.  Welcome back, Kevin.

[Monkhouse]

Good stuff from KOC.

Wasn't there a thread with people claiming that Kobe would be a negative influence on him?

I'm not going to lie, while I wasn't involved in that. I did always have some inner hatred for Kobe, I just think it eventually became mutual respect for his toughness and clutch shots.

Kobe always told Tatum don't be afraid to take shots when you're off. That confidence in Tatum is pretty clear evidence that the training with Kobe has paid dividends, along with hard work and sessions with Hanlen.

[RockinRyA]

Good stuff from KOC.

Wasn't there a thread with people claiming that Kobe would be a negative influence on him?

In his playing style yeah. Overall I think it helped.