A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Throughout the summer, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown kept in touch via text. Occasionally, they ran into each other after the playoffs and before training camp. They were teammates and colleagues, but not close friends. Offseasons tend to feel short when playoff runs are long.
Last summer, the Celtics faced a heart-wrenching loss in Game 7 to the Miami Heat in the conference finals. Tatum turned an ankle, and Brown couldn't pick up the slack. It was a loss that had the potential to tear the team apart. The team was about to get more expensive with Brown's upcoming contract, and both stars sensed the urgency.
The Celtics had been patient with them, contrary to the fans and media. Brown called Tatum to suggest they work out together. Assistant coach Sam Cassell arranged the workouts, and trainer Drew Hanlen facilitated them. Even Celtics legend Paul Pierce joined in, lifting weights and participating in the workouts. They pushed each other and cemented a bond, one that carried them through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown were always talented. However, the game needed to slow down for them. Comparisons were made to iconic duos like Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. Despite experiencing ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries, they never lost faith.
The Celtics made significant changes to better support Tatum and Brown. Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations. Ime Udoka was hired and then fired as coach, followed by Joe Mazzulla being promoted from assistant to head coach. Three veteran stars were brought in to mentor the young duo, and the team fully leaned into Tatum and Brown's leadership.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Stevens played a crucial role in keeping Brown and Tatum together. He signed off on drafting each of them and built the team around their talents. Over the years, he declined numerous trade offers involving big-name players. Stevens often reassured Brown of the organization’s commitment to him, culminating in signing Brown to the largest contract in NBA history.
Brown used this commitment as motivation to improve, and he played the best basketball of his career in these playoffs, earning the MVP title of both the conference finals and the NBA Finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown were not immune to media criticisms, but they blocked out the noise. Tatum's 6-year-old son, Deuce, symbolizes his journey with the Celtics. Both stars have weathered losses, high expectations, and relentless media speculation. Deuce notably supported Tatum after the Celtics lost the 2022 Finals, spurring Tatum to focus on training and addressing weaknesses in his game.
Tatum showed significant improvement in the playoffs. His and Brown’s personal relationship played a vital role in their success. They won together, rendering debates about their compatibility irrelevant. The Celtics enjoyed a highly successful season with minimal drama, a benefit that head coach Mazzulla attributes to a "growth mentality."
Quotes and Reflections
Reflecting on their journey, Tatum said, “We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down.” This sentiment captures the maturation process both players underwent.
Brown echoed similar feelings, acknowledging past media narratives: “Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him.” Their perseverance has silenced these criticisms.
Stevens also emphasized the importance of relationships within the team, stating, "All that's going to really matter is how we treated each other. Nothing else matters."
Brown’s determination to improve came through in Stevens’ words: “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.”
Tatum’s motivation was deeply personal. “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."
Reflecting on the championship win, Tatum remarked, “It took being relentless.” The journey, filled with highs and lows, had finally culminated in championship glory. “Now, to elevate yourself in a space that all your favorite players are in... It’s a hell of a feeling. This is more -- I dreamed about what it would be like, but this is 10 times better.”
The national discussion about Tatum and Brown’s ability to play together has become "laughable" within the team, according to Stevens. He added that focusing on hanging a banner is what truly matters: "All that really matters is if you hang a banner."
Mazzulla concurred, noting that teams thrive with minimal drama and unified direction, emphasizing, “You have to stay in long enough. That's how you grow.” The Celtics’ successful season is a testament to this philosophy.