A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's relationship evolved over the summers through texts and occasional encounters. They were teammates and colleagues, but not close friends. The offseasons felt short for both, especially when long playoff runs extended their playing time. The sting of losing a Game 7 to the Miami Heat in the conference finals last summer still lingered.
In that crucial game, Tatum turned an ankle, and Brown couldn't pick up the slack, a loss that could have torn the team apart. The situation was further complicated as the Celtics were set to get more expensive with Brown's impending contract. Both stars sensed the urgency, recognizing that the organization had been patient with them, even if fans and media weren't as forgiving.
In response, Brown took the initiative and called Tatum, suggesting they work out together during the offseason. With the help of assistant coach Sam Cassell, trainer Drew Hanlen, and the presence of Paul Pierce, they embarked on a transformative training regimen. These workouts not only pushed their physical limits but also served to cement a bond that would later carry them through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown were always talented and skilled. However, the game needed to slow down for them to fully harness their potential. Comparisons to Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, among others, often accompanied their journey. They faced ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries but never lost faith.
The Celtics made sweeping changes to support their young stars. Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to President of Basketball Operations, hiring Ime Udoka, who was later fired, and promoting Joe Mazzulla from assistant to head coach. Additionally, three veteran stars were brought in to provide mentorship. The organization leaned into Tatum and Brown as the leaders of the team.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Brad Stevens deserves significant credit for keeping Brown and Tatum together. He endorsed drafting each of them and built the team around their skills. Over the years, he declined several trade opportunities for big-name players, often reassuing Brown of the organization’s commitment to him.
Stevens went a step further by signing Brown to the largest contract in NBA history, a move that Brown used as motivation to improve. The result was stellar. Brown played the best basketball of his career during these playoffs, earning MVP honors for both the conference finals and the finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown tuned out media criticisms. Tatum's 6-year-old son, Deuce, often symbolized his journey with the Celtics. Both players had been through losses, intense expectations, and relentless media speculation. Deuce played a comforting role for Tatum after they lost the 2022 Finals, pushing him to focus on training and addressing weaknesses in his game.
Tatum showed significant improvement during the playoffs, and the bond he formed with Brown paid off. They won together, making past debates about their relationship irrelevant. The Celtics experienced a highly successful season with minimal drama, backed by Coach Mazzulla's emphasis on a growth mentality.
Quotes and Reflections
"We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down," one of them reflected. Critics once suggested, "Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him." But the resilience they showed silenced among even skeptics.
Stevens acknowledged a shared sentiment among the team: "When we're all done in our time with the Celtics, as coaches, and as players, all that's going to really matter is how we treated each other. Nothing else matters." He also added, "You have to stay in long enough. That's how you grow."
Brown’s attitude was particularly noteworthy: "I always felt for him in that regard. I think now that maybe I could have been better. 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."
Recalling the pivotal moments, Tatum mused, "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."
"I trusted him. He trusted me. And we did it together," Brown concluded, encapsulating their journey. The shared experiences and their unwavering focus propelled them to a championship, allowing them to join the ranks of NBA legends. The entire "Jayson-Jaylen discussion in the national media is laughable to all of us," remarked a Celtics insider, reflecting the confidence and unity within the team.
Stevens summed it up best: "To me, teams thrive when there's little drama and they're moving in one direction." For Tatum and Brown, the direction is clear – forward, with their sights set firmly on more glory.