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Pivot Podcast

Jayson Tatum, 6x NBA All-Star, opens up on self-doubt after injury, questioning his return, Joe Mazzulla, Celtics legacy, fatherhood, private life, disappointing 2024 Olympics w/ Steve Kerr, and why Kobe’s impact remains sacred.

Pivot Podcast

The Pivot Podcast Network

Sports, Football, Society & Culture

4.93.1K Ratings

🗓️ 27 January 2026

⏱️ 68 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

“I’m going to be the best basketball player I can ever be and I’m also going to be the best father that I can ever be.” Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the headlines and boxscore. Tatum opens up about battling through injury, the moment he nearly walked away from the game, and the mental toll that comes with carrying expectations at the highest level. Recently returning to the court for rehab and light work, the 6x time NBA All Star and World Champion opens up on how the last year has been the toughest in his life, admitting self-doubt, questioning his will to heal and contemplating his return this season. Winning a title with Celtics etched his name in Boston royalty, although the high expectations still move him to chase the legends who've come before him while his focus remains on getting back to a championship. Jayson was upfront about working through past growing pains with Jaylen Brown, the pressures of being a face of the NBA and the three words Joe Mazzulla whispered to him during the biggest moments of their Championship run. A self-proclaimed mama's boy, he shares a deep understanding of sacrifice, hard work and how growing up with little motivated him being raised by a single mom but candidly he opens up on why he values the relationship with his father differently but still a bond he appreciates. With the anniversary of Kobe Bryant's passing, Jayson Tatum reveals how he was inspired by the icon and modeled his life based on certain experiences and explains why he is completely appalled with anyone questioning Kobe's contributions to the game. He reflects on representing Team USA in 2024 on the Olympic stage, what that experience taught him, his true in-the-moment feelings with Steve Kerr and how it reshaped his perspective as a leader but also as a man. From embracing the weight of Boston’s historic legacy to navigating fatherhood while still chasing greatness, Tatum shares how his humble beginnings continue to ground him. Honest, reflective, and powerful—this is Jayson Tatum like you’ve never heard him before. Pivot Family, please like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we value hearing from you and appreciate your support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

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Within them four offers or rewards. Lab bucks expire for Teas and C's a bride. Boston's Seltic's All right

0:30.6

Boston Celtics Jason Tatum is a six-time All-MBA wingman and a world champion

0:35.6

But this last year and a half has been the

0:37.7

toughest of his career. He opens our conversation with doubt, admitting that after his Achilles

0:42.6

tear in the playoffs, he wondered if he could ever recover. And it wasn't just the doubt of being the

0:48.1

player that he once was. He didn't even know if he had what it took to get back on the court.

0:54.1

He's better now. He's stronger. He's more confident. And he had what it took to get back on the court.

0:54.8

He's better now.

0:55.4

He's stronger.

0:56.2

He's more confident.

0:59.5

And he even worked out in front of media members last week.

1:01.4

There's a long way to go for Jason.

1:06.7

And still for him, questions on if coming back right now is the right thing to do.

1:09.0

He's a self-proclaimed mama's boy.

1:12.0

He grew up in a single parent household in St. Louis.

1:19.4

He sacrificed so much to get him where he is today. But he also values the relationship he has with his father.

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