Jayson Tatum explained why he thinks he’s the best player in the NBA

Jayson Tatum during a press conference on Feb. 17. AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Jayson Tatum’s take: Though he’s only 25, Jayson Tatum is already in his seventh NBA season. The Celtics‘ leading scorer has once again been one of the primary contributors in the team’s success (Boston currently possesses the best record in the NBA).

So how does he rank himself against the league’s best? During the recent All-Star break, Tatum sat down for an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. He discussed a variety of subjects, including the team’s camaraderie and how he compares the current Boston roster with the 2022 version that made a run to (but lost in) the NBA Finals.

Asked who he thinks the best player in the NBA currently is, Tatum had a direct response.

“Myself,” he declared. Andrews pointed out that this was an updated answer from Tatum, who had named Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in a previous interview in 2023.

What’s changed for Tatum since then?

“I have a lot of respect for a lot of guys in the league,” Tatum explained. “Giannis for sure, [Nikola] Jokic, obviously he just won [the championship], [Joel] Embiid, guys that have won MVPs, and the list goes on. The league is in a great place. I think about things that I’ve been through — just through my career — things that I’ve accomplished, and yet I haven’t got the ultimate championship.

“I truly do believe every time I step on the floor, I’m the best player,” Tatum concluded.”

As he noted, Tatum has already been to an NBA Finals and four Eastern Conference Finals. Still, Boston fell to the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, and has suffered some playoff tough losses (such as to the Heat a year ago).

Reflecting on the adversity he’s faced, Tatum contextualized why he’s actually grateful for it.

“I’m a big believer in everything happens for a reason,” said Tatum. “Maybe I needed to go through that for something. Haven’t figured that out yet. But it happened, and I’ve grown from it, I’ve learned from it. In a weird way I’m thankful for that experience, as tough as it was, as much as it hurt. I’m thankful that I went through that. I think it’s made me a better person and player since then.”

As Andrews observed that Tatum’s previously established “quiet confidence” has become “louder” in the current season, the Celtics’ star said it’s grounded in his work ethic.

“I’m very confident because I know how hard I work, I know how much I put into this game,” Tatum told Andrews. “I know how badly I want to be one of the best, how badly I want to win.”

Trivia: According to CBS Sports, only five players in NFL history have won at least three Super Bowls and made at least 10 Pro Bowls in their careers. One is Matthew Slater. Can you name the other four?

Hint: One also played for the Patriots, two played for the 49ers, and one played for the Steelers. More specifically, two played offense, and two played defense.

Scores and schedules:

Tonight, the Bruins will be in Edmonton to play the Oilers at 10 p.m.

Elsewhere, PWHL Boston will host Ottawa at the Tsongas Center at 7 p.m. (the game will be available on NESN).

Also tonight, the Revolution play the team’s first competitive game of 2024, facing Club Atlético Independiente de La Chorrera in Panama in the opening leg of a first round matchup in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The game kicks off at 8 p.m.

The Celtics will be back on Thursday to play the Bulls in Chicago at 8 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Looking back at Matthew Slater’s run: The veteran special teams ace called time on his 16-year career on Tuesday. Here’s the Patriots’ collection of some of his best moments.

Regular Red Sox content: Though much of the discussion around the current Red Sox team revolves around what’s missing from the roster, here’s a more casual look at Jarren Duran’s day at spring training.

On this day: In 1951, Chuck Cooper — the first Black player drafted in NBA history — helped the Celtics secure an 87-85 overtime win over the Knicks, nailing the game-winning shot with just two seconds remaining.

Boston was paced early in the game by Ed Macauley, who scored 32 of his eventual total of 36 points in the first three quarters. But after the Knicks began to double “Easy Ed,” the Celtics’ lead evaporated. New York eventually forced overtime, but Cooper was waiting to ensure Boston escaped with a win (and a position atop the Eastern Division).

Daily highlight: Quinton Byfield scored an electrifying opening goal in a 5-1 win for the Kings over the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.