A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown maintained their connection over summers primarily through text messages. They occasionally encountered each other after the playoffs and before training camp. While they were teammates and colleagues, they had not yet become close friends. Offseasons tend to feel short when playoff runs are long.
Last summer, the Celtics experienced a devastating loss in Game 7 against the Miami Heat during the conference finals. Tatum turned his ankle, and Brown couldn’t pick up the slack, resulting in a loss that could have torn the team apart. Adding to the tension, the team was about to get more expensive with Brown's impending contract. Both stars sensed the urgency of the situation, recognizing that the Celtics had shown more patience with them than the fans and media had.
In a pivotal moment, Brown called Tatum suggesting they work out together over the summer. Assistant coach Sam Cassell arranged these workouts, which were run by trainer Drew Hanlen. NBA legend Paul Pierce joined them, lifting weights and participating in their sessions. This effort to push each other helped cement a bond that carried through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown have always been recognized for their talent and skill. However, the game needed to slow down for them. Throughout their careers, they faced challenges, including ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries. Despite these obstacles, they never lost faith.
The Celtics organization made significant changes to support Tatum and Brown. Brad Stevens transitioned from his role as coach to President of Basketball Operations. Ime Udoka was hired and subsequently fired as coach, leading to Joe Mazzulla's promotion from assistant to head coach. Additionally, three veteran stars were brought in to mentor the young players, as the team leaned into Tatum and Brown as leaders.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Brad Stevens played a crucial role in keeping Brown and Tatum together. He was responsible for drafting both players and building a team around them. Over the years, Stevens declined multiple trade offers for big-name players, often reassuring Brown of the organization's commitment to him.
Stevens reaffirmed this commitment by signing Brown to the largest contract in NBA history. In response, Brown used this trust as motivation to improve, playing the best basketball of his career during the playoffs. His performance earned him the title of MVP in both the conference finals and the finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown have faced their fair share of criticisms from the media, but they learned to block out the noise. Tatum's 6-year-old son, Deuce, became a symbol of his journey with the Celtics. After the sting of losing the 2022 Finals, Deuce was there to provide comfort. This compelled Tatum to focus on his training and address weaknesses in his game, leading to significant improvement in the playoffs.
The narrative of Tatum and Brown often revolves around their personal relationship. By winning together, they made debates about their compatibility irrelevant. The Celtics enjoyed a highly successful season with minimal drama, led by Mazzulla's growth mentality.
"We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down," Tatum reflects. Addressing the external doubts, he says, "Oh, they didn’t win it. They can’t play together. They should trade him." The success of the season speaks volumes, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and collaboration. "I trusted him. He trusted me. And we did it together," adds Brown.
Quotes to Remember
As Tatum and Brown reflect on their journey, several quotes capture the essence of their experience:
- "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."
- "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."
- "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."
- "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."
- "To me, teams thrive when there's little drama and they're moving in one direction."
The triumphant journey of Tatum and Brown has transformed them into true leaders, overcoming adversities and silencing their critics. Now, as they walk among the greats and legends of basketball, their bond and success stand as a testament to enduring dedication and teamwork.