Jayson Tatum remains committed to capturing title, Finals MVP with Celtics

TL;DR

Jayson Tatum is focused on winning another NBA championship and securing the Finals MVP award with the Boston Celtics. Despite past injuries and playoff disappointments, he remains committed to achieving greatness in the upcoming season.

Key points

Jayson Tatum is committed to winning another championship.
He aims to secure the Finals MVP award after missing it in 2024.
Tatum faced a serious Achilles injury and playoff challenges.

Golden State WarriorsJayson TatumBoston CelticsDallas Mavericks

BOSTON — Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has practically cleared every hurdle in front of him. Whether it was surviving the gauntlet of the playoffs and winning an NBA title in 2024 or recovering from a brutal Achilles injury he suffered in 2025, he's overcome adversity time and time again. But, that doesn't mean he's satisfied with the accolades he's collected while in the Association. During an interview with TODAY as part of the "Glass Half Full" podcast, Tatum was asked by journalist Craig Melvin what he was still chasing prior to the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The six-time All-Star's response should delight (but not surprise) Celtics fans.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sit with the MVP and Larry O'Brien trophies during the Boston Celtics Victory Event on June 21, 2024 following their 2024 NBA Finals win at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) "I would say winning another championship and holding up Finals MVP," Tatum stated. Although Tatum was instrumental in the Celtics' domination of the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, fellow Celtics star Jaylen Brown took home the Bill Russell Trophy. Another ring, with a Finals MVP to boot, would cement Tatum as an all-time great Celtic, as even Green Team legends like and never captured multiple championships. When Melvin questioned whether or not Tatum could accomplish such a feat in Boston, the soon-to-be tenth-year Celtic didn't hesitate: "Absolutely, and especially after what I've been through, it would mean that much more," Tatum answered. Shortly after filming this interview, the Celtics' quest for a nineteenth title went awry in the postseason. They squandered a 3-1 series lead against the and lost in the first round for the first time since 2021. Knee discomfort and the aforementioned Achilles history ultimately ruled Tatum out of a pivotal Game 7 in that disappointing series, reminding the 28-year-old that reaching the summit of the basketball world is extremely difficult. "It's hard to win in this league," Tatum admitted during his exit interview in early May. "That's why nobody has repeated since the () Warriors. It's tough." Looking forward to the 2026-27 campaign, Tatum hopes to be fully healthy for October and ready to resume the hunt for another championship. "There’s always been a sense of urgency since my rookie year," Tatum described of Boston's title pursuit. "And that won't change. The main goal has always been the same." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *

Q&A

What does Jayson Tatum want to achieve in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

Jayson Tatum aims to win another championship and earn the Finals MVP award.

How did Jayson Tatum perform in the 2024 NBA Finals?

Tatum played a crucial role in the Celtics' victory over the Dallas Mavericks, but Jaylen Brown won the Finals MVP.

What challenges has Jayson Tatum faced in his career?

Tatum has overcome significant challenges, including a serious Achilles injury and a disappointing playoff exit after leading the Celtics to a 3-1 series lead.