Jayson Tatum posts heartfelt message in Boston after championship parade

Jayson Tatum, as recently as last summer, began expressing his connection and dedication developed for the city of Boston, which has grown greatly over time since his draft. This can be seen in the emotion he has begun to show towards the public in recent years. Notably during his championship-hungry Game 7 record of 51 points in the 2023 East Semifinal against Philadelphia.

The multi-time All-NBA First Team forward talked about it at the start of his championship season on The Point Forward podcast, with Andre Iguodala and his former coach and friend, Evan Turner.

“I honestly didn’t realize what a special place Boston was until I got here,” Tatum said. “I didn’t like Boston. I felt like beating the Rams was why the Rams ended up going. They beat Kobe in 2008, so I was tired of that. But it’s a special place. They love their sports teams, they love their guys. I feel like they were adopted, I feel like they accepted me as one of their guys. There is a feeling of pride, you have to have an advantage to play here. I can only imagine the love, the reception, if you hung one of these banners. That would be amazing – it’s going to be amazing. I know that.”

He broke down in emotion and tears before the final buzzer of Game 5 sounded to secure Banner 18. Attacked by Deuce with an iconic photo of the two and a hug from his mother, the superstar said the The feeling still didn’t seem real, with this all being so much more than he had ever imagined.

The love is forever mutual with Tatum, from day one to becoming the face of Boston sports. And after his duck walk in the championship parade Friday, the five-time All-Star took to Instagram, posting a heartfelt message to the city he plays in.

Further reading

Al Horford, Raising Cane’s and a region that loves him

On Derrick White and the Fuel of an Unprecedented Journey to the NBA’s Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA champion at the peak of his powers

Jaylen Brown ends career year with NBA Finals MVP: ‘I can’t even put it into words’

Tatum and Brown reach the top of the NBA and lead the Celtics to Banner 18

Reliable Xavier Tillman discusses learning to “be a star in your own role”

Celtics break down keys to perhaps their best playoff quarter

Sports doctor details challenges and risks of Kristaps Porzingis’ NBA Finals appearance

Jrue Holiday’s championship DNA rubs off on the Celtics

Inside the moment that propelled the Celtics to victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals