Jayson Tatum dials up hype for Boston Celtics' title defense in 2024-25

Jayson Tatum is busy with Team USA joined by fellow teammates Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. The three champions will be taking on the world with Steph Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and more in the attempt to claim gold — this would be a pretty sweet piece to add to the collection for them.

On the other hand, the NBA is going crazy with trades and signings that have people wondering is Jayson Tatum is paying attention to that noise. Regardless, he believes that the Boston Celtics are the team to beat, respectfully.

“I see all the changes and people switching teams and obviously teams are getting better and that’s every offseason,” Tatum told the “7PM In Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Metro” podcast (h/t NESN). “You’ve gotta have an appropriate fear or respect for your opponent. You don’t ever want to disrespect who you’re playing. But with that being said, we won. Like, when you win a championship, you get to talk how you want to talk, respectfully. They’ve got to go through us.”

This statement came out of Tatum's elite confidence and is with his guys in green, no matter what. He loves Boston as much as they love them. His teammates and coaches could not ask for anybody else than for No. 0.

His swagger has reached new heights.

Jayson Tatum may have a target on his back after this

The narratives will be stirring this coming fall and do not be surprised if this comment gets thrown into the fire. Tatum will surely be prepared in hopes of defending his title. He's not alone. Nearly everybody will be back.

The Philadephia 76ers and the New York Knicks are most likely going to be at the top fighting for that No. 1 spot. Joe Mazzulla is eager to get the coaching motor turned back on and wants another banner just as much as the next guy in the organization.

It's all gas no breaks for the guys in green.