Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum appeared on ESPN's First Take, and the purpose of the visit was to discuss his rehabilitation from the injury he sustained last spring in the second round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks. Tatum was also promoting a new shoe release that is being launched this fall.
In addition to the foregoing, Tatum dropped the bomb that he wanted to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers instead of the Celtics in 2017. He was hoping to be selected by the Lakers at the second spot in the first round.
Needless to say, it didn't happen; the Celtics took him with the next pick, and the rest is history.
However, Tatum still felt a little remorse for some time after the draft.
“Kobe was my favorite player, and the Lakers were my favorite team growing up,” Tatum said. “You get so close to accomplishing your dream, and you see the Lakers have the second pick. That hurt a little, feeling like there was no consideration they wanted to draft me.”
Tatum said he wanted to be the No. 1 selection overall. The Philadelphia 76ers had that pick after trading up to get it, and they selected Markelle Fultz instead of Tatum. Tatum was sure the Lakers were going to grab him at No. 2.
“I wanted to be the number one pick, and I felt like I was the best player, so I was upset a little at first,” Tatum said.
The 76ers should have gone with Tatum, who has become one of the top forwards in the NBA. Fultz struggled to stay healthy and try to build some semblance of a career with Philadelphia. Tatum also led the Celtics past the 76ers all three times the teams met in the postseason.
Tatum has also guided the Celtics to the World Championship in 2024.
Tatum was having a great season in 2024-2025. He averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and six assists in 72 games. Tatum was selected to his sixth All-Star team.
“Playing for the Celtics gave me the chance to represent another historic franchise,” Tatum said. “If I couldn’t wear the purple and gold, suiting up for their rival and crafting my own legacy was the next best thing.”