Jayson Tatum Joins Larry Bird in Celtics History Books
In a franchise as storied as the Boston Celtics, joining legends like Larry Bird in the history books is no small feat. But Jayson Tatum—the 26-year-old superstar and face of the franchise—has officially etched his name alongside the Celtics’ greatest. With his recent accomplishments, including career milestones, record-breaking performances, and postseason dominance, Tatum has solidified himself as one of the all-time greats to don the green and white.
Rewriting the Record Books
Tatum’s name has been steadily climbing Boston’s all-time leaderboards for several seasons, but his most recent performance has vaulted him into truly elite company. With a 38-point outing against the Milwaukee Bucks last week, Tatum became the youngest Celtic to reach 10,000 career points, surpassing Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and John Havlicek in terms of age when they hit the mark.
Bird, who finished his Hall of Fame career with 21,791 points, reached the 10,000-point plateau at age 29. Tatum did it at just 26, showcasing a scoring consistency and longevity that mirrors the all-time greats.
“It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as Larry Bird,” Tatum said after the game. “He’s one of the greatest to ever do it, not just in Boston, but in the history of the game. I’m just grateful to be part of that legacy.”
Dominating the Modern Era
Since being drafted 3rd overall in 2017, Tatum has grown from promising rookie to perennial All-Star to legitimate MVP candidate. This season, he’s averaging 27.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, all while leading Boston to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
His offensive versatility has become his signature weapon. Tatum can shoot the three, operate in the mid-range, post up smaller defenders, and finish at the rim with power or finesse. He’s developed into one of the most complete scorers in the NBA, capable of taking over games in crunch time—a trait Celtics fans have long associated with Larry Legend.
In fact, Tatum now holds the franchise record for most 50-point games, breaking Bird’s mark of four. He also set the Celtics’ single-game playoff scoring record with 51 points in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023—another record previously held by Bird.
“I think he’s redefining what it means to be a Celtics superstar in this new era,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. “What Larry was to his generation, Jayson is becoming for ours.”
Leadership and Legacy
But Tatum’s influence goes beyond the stat sheet. Much like Bird, he’s taken on the responsibility of being the franchise cornerstone, a leader in both the locker room and the community. He’s embraced the pressure that comes with playing in Boston—a city with sky-high expectations and a passionate fanbase.
“Being the guy in Boston is different,” said former Celtic Paul Pierce. “It’s not just about your numbers, it’s about your impact, your legacy. Tatum gets that. You can see it in how he plays, how he carries himself.”
Over the past few seasons, Tatum has also grown into a vocal leader, mentoring younger teammates, setting the tone in practice, and holding himself accountable during tough stretches. That maturity is something Bird was known for—an understated but unshakeable leadership style that centered around competitiveness and a desire to win.
Chasing Banner 18
The one thing Tatum hasn’t done yet—what Bird accomplished three times in the 1980s—is win an NBA championship. And that’s the one piece of the puzzle still missing from his legacy.
Bird led the Celtics to titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Tatum has had several deep playoff runs, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2022, but hasn’t yet hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, with the Celtics once again one of the most complete and dangerous teams in the league, 2025 could be the year he finally gets over the hump.
Tatum has repeatedly emphasized that team success is what matters most. “Individual accolades are cool, but I want to win. That’s what they remember you for,” he said earlier this season. “Larry Bird is remembered because he won. I want to do that for this city.”
If he does, his place in Celtics lore will be all but sealed.
A New Chapter in Celtics History
Jayson Tatum’s ascent into the Celtics history books isn’t just a tribute to his talent—it’s a sign of Boston’s return to consistent excellence. While the franchise has seen its share of superstars, few have had the impact Tatum is currently having at such a young age. His combination of skill, poise, leadership, and work ethic has made him the standard-bearer for this generation of Celtics basketball.
As he continues to break records, climb all-time lists, and pursue that elusive championship, one thing is clear: Jayson Tatum is no longer just the future of the Celtics—he is their present, and quite possibly, their next all-time great.
Larry Bird set the bar. Jayson Tatum is now reaching it—and may one day raise it even higher.
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