Jayson Tatum: Bringing an NBA title to Celtics is first on my list

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum just won a gold medal with Team USA at this summer's Tokyo Olympics. The win is currently at the top of his list, but he's hungry for more. 

The two-time All-Star told TMZ Sports that winning gold is currently his top accomplishment, calling it "the coolest thing I've done so far." However, he added that bringing a championship to the Celtics is first on his priority list.

"It has to be at the top so far, but clearly gotta bring a championship to the Celtics," Tatum said. "That's first on the list."

Tatum has spent the first four years of his career with the Celtics and recently signed a five-year, $195 million extension with the franchise. 

The 23-year-old had the best season of his young career during the 2020-21 campaign, averaging a career-high 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 38.6% from deep. 

Tatum was even better in the playoffs, averaging 30.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. However, the Celtics fell to the Brooklyn Nets in five games in the first round. 

The Celtics have not won an NBA title since 2008, when Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen led the franchise to its first championship since 1986. However, Boston is hoping several changes made this summer will put it closer to another trophy. 

Former Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge stepped down, and Brad Stevens was promoted. Boston then hired Ime Udoka as its next head coach and brought in Al Horford, Enes Kanter, Josh Richardson, Dennis Schroder, Kris Dunn and Bruno Fernando while parting ways with Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. 

Despite the additions, though, it'll be hard for the Celtics to compete with teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference. So while Tatum is hoping for a title, Boston may not be ready to contend in 2021-22.