A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
The off-season is a peculiar time for NBA stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Traditionally, they have kept in touch via text, occasionally bumping into each other between the playoffs and training camp. While they were teammates and colleagues, their relationship could best be described as professional rather than personal. With long playoff runs truncating their summers, the opportunity for bonding was minimal.
Last summer, the Celtics faced a defining moment after losing a Game 7 to the Miami Heat in the conference finals. Tatum turned an ankle, rendering him less effective, and Brown couldn't pick up the slack. It was a loss that could have torn the team apart, especially with the looming financial burden of Brown's impending contract. Realizing the urgency of their situation, Brown made a pivotal move—he called Tatum and suggested they work out together. Assistant coach Sam Cassell arranged the sessions, and trainer Drew Hanlen orchestrated the workouts. Even Celtics legend Paul Pierce joined in, lifting weights and offering guidance. As they pushed each other, their bond strengthened, a bond that carried the Celtics through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown have always been recognized for their talent and potential. At times, however, the game seemed too fast for them. Comparisons were frequently drawn to other dynamic duos like Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, adding yet another layer of pressure. Through ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries, their faith in each other never wavered.
In an effort to fully support Tatum and Brown, the Celtics made significant changes. Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations, Ime Udoka was hired and subsequently fired as head coach, and Joe Mazzulla was promoted from an assistant role to head coach. Additionally, three veteran stars were brought in as mentors. The team leaned heavily on Tatum and Brown as its leaders, providing them the backing they needed to mature and excel.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Brad Stevens deserves credit for keeping the Tatum-Brown duo intact. He endorsed drafting each of them and meticulously built the team around their talents. Over the years, he turned down numerous trades for big-name players, instead focusing on reassuring Brown of the organization’s commitment to him. This commitment was encapsulated when Stevens signed Brown to the largest contract in NBA history. Motivated by the faith shown in him, Brown delivered his best basketball of his career in these playoffs, earning MVP honors in both the conference finals and the finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown have often had to tune out the media criticisms surrounding them. Tatum’s six-year-old son, Deuce, has been a poignant symbol of his journey with the Celtics. Deuce played a vital role in comforting Tatum after losing the 2022 Finals, and Tatum responded by addressing weaknesses in his game, significantly improving his performance in the following playoffs.
Throughout their journey, the personal relationship between Tatum and Brown has often been a focal point. Despite undergoing losses, managing high expectations, and dealing with relentless media speculation, they succeeded together, nullifying debates about the viability of their partnership. Their cohesion contributed to a highly successful, drama-free season for the Celtics.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of having a growth mentality. The Celtics’ journey was about much more than just winning games; it was about trust, development, and perseverance.
Quotes from the Journey
“We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down,” reflects the duo’s realization over time.
"Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him," was the media’s narrative, now proven baseless.
"It's what it's all about. When we're all done in our time with the Celtics, as coaches, as players, all that's going to really matter is how we treated each other. Nothing else matters," says a reflective voice from the team.
"I always felt for him in that regard. I think now that maybe I could have been better," admits Tatum about his evolving friendship with Brown.
"You worry about how some people would handle that. Not Jaylen. He's a worker. He just wants to get better. He takes everything as motivation to improve," another testament to Brown's dedication.
Tatum’s raw moment: "I don't ever win s---."
"If you would have asked me that maybe a year ago, I would probably say yeah. But just at the point I got to right now, it feels great. Any of the personal awards, it is what it is," Tatum comments on personal accolades versus team success.
"I trusted him. He trusted me. And we did it together," sums up their journey to victory.
"He was born six weeks into the season and I was scared. I was like, 'I don't want to roll over on him,'" Tatum recalls about Deuce’s birth.
"He was scared s----, just like I was as a father. No one's ready to have a child when they're still living out their childhood dream. But I've seen him grow so much. He's really a great dad," a teammate notes on Tatum's growth off the court.
"You're damn right I am," an emphatic affirmation of their achievements.
"It took being relentless," summarizes their ethos.
"It took being on the other side of this and losing in the Finals and being at literally the lowest point in a basketball career that you could be, to next year, to the following year, thinking that was going to be the time, and come up short again," reflecting on their journey’s nadir and zenith.
"Now, to elevate yourself in a space that, you know, all your favorite players are in, everybody that they consider greats or legends have won a championship, and all of the guys I looked up to won a championship, multiple championships. Now I can, like, walk in those rooms and be a part of that. It's a hell of a feeling. This is more -- I dreamed about what it would be like, but this is 10 times better," reflects the culmination of their hard work and dreams.
"The whole Jayson-Jaylen discussion in the national media is laughable to all of us," dismisses the external noise.
"I don't have the time to give a f---," bluntly underscores their focus.
"What do you remember about that series? [Michael Jordan's] pull-up clincher at the end of Game 6, right? But do you remember that they lost Game 1? Do you remember that he missed a game winner? Do you remember? He was 9-for-26 and a Game 5 loss.' All you remember was the game, the clinching pull-back game winner," highlights the selective memory of sports narratives.
"My big thing to him was, 'Hey, no one really cares what you did game by game. All that really matters is if you hang a banner,'" encapsulates their ultimate goal.
"To me, teams thrive when there's little drama and they're moving in one direction," emphasizes the importance of unity.
"You have to stay in long enough. That's how you grow," concludes the story of Tatum and Brown’s remarkable journey.