Some of the NBA stars are skipping games due to load management, but that is not something that Jayson Tatum does.
The 24-year-old power forward is always on the court unless he is sidelined due to an injury. At the same time understands that things might be different for older players.
“I totally understand,” Tatum said when asked about load management. “It’s a long season, some guys are a little bit older or managing certain injuries and with all the sports science for certain guys that is what’s best for them.
“For me, I just think about the young kid inside me from St. Louis that dreamed about being in the NBA. All I’ve ever wanted to do was play basketball. I love the game, I love to play, I try to never take this situation for granted.
“I never try to, like I said, take it for granted, always be thankful because I truly am living out my dream. Wake up excited and I get opportunity to play basketball for a living. And that’s not really work, something I love to do.
“Brad [Stevens] sometimes wants me to play a little bit less. So we have conversations. As simple as that, I just love being out there, I love playing, I love competing, I love trying to win as much as I can.”
This season Tatum is averaging 30.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 37.3 minutes per game.
