A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown maintained their connection during the offseasons, primarily through text messages. Occasionally, they would cross paths after the playoffs and before the training camp resumed. Although they were colleagues and teammates, they were not particularly close friends. Offseasons often felt brief, especially when their playoff runs extended deep into the post-season.
Last summer, the Celtics experienced a heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the conference finals against the Miami Heat. Tatum turned his ankle in the game, and Brown was unable to carry the burden on his own. Such a loss had the potential to rip a team apart, especially with Brown's upcoming expensive contract extension looming over their heads. Both stars felt the urgency of the situation.
While fans and media demanded immediate results, the Celtics' organization showed patience with Tatum and Brown. A turning point came when Brown suggested to Tatum that they work out together during the off-season. Assistant coach Sam Cassell set up the workouts, and trainer Drew Hanlen guided them through the sessions. Celtics legend Paul Pierce even joined them, lifting weights and providing mentorship.
Their dedication and effort over the summer forged a bond that would carry them through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown always possessed immense talent, but the game needed to slow down for them. Over the years, they dealt with comparisons to other dynamic duos, such as Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. They faced ego battles, formidable opponents, injuries, yet their faith remained unshaken.
The Celtics initiated significant changes to support their budding stars. Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations, Ime Udoka was hired and later fired as the head coach, and Joe Mazzulla went from being an assistant to the head coach. Additionally, three veteran stars were brought in to mentor Tatum and Brown, reinforcing the team's reliance on the duo as leaders.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Stevens played an integral role in keeping Tatum and Brown together. He was instrumental in drafting both players and constructing the team around them. Despite opportunities to trade for several big-name players over the years, Stevens consistently declined, choosing to reassure Brown of the organization’s commitment to him.
His steadfast belief culminated in offering Brown the largest contract in NBA history. Brown used this commitment as a motivation to improve and it showed; he played the best basketball of his career during these playoffs, earning the MVP titles for both the conference finals and the NBA finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown consistently dealt with media criticisms but learned to block out the noise. Tatum's 6-year-old son, Deuce, became a symbol of his journey with the Celtics. Having experienced losses, heightened expectations, and endless speculation, Deuce's presence helped Tatum cope, especially after losing the 2022 Finals.
Determined to rise above, Tatum committed himself to rigorous training, addressing weaknesses in his game. His significant improvement in the playoffs was evident. The personal relationship between Tatum and Brown often took center stage in their narrative, but their collective success rendered debates about their compatibility irrelevant.
With minimal internal strife, the Celtics enjoyed one of their most successful seasons. Coach Mazzulla emphasized the importance of maintaining a growth mentality, adding to the team's cohesion.
Quotes From the Team
"We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down," reflected Tatum.
Addressing external chatter, Tatum said, "Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him."
Mazzulla further elaborated, "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."
Brown acknowledged the journey, saying, "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 added a candid moment, "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."
Emphasizing their partnership, he continued, "I trusted him. He trusted me. And we did it together."
Reflecting on fatherhood, Tatum said, "He was born six weeks into the season and I was scared. I was like, 'I don't want to roll over on him.'
Brown remarked on Tatum's growth as a father, "He was scared, 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."
On their persistence, Tatum concluded, "It took being relentless. 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. 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."
Mazzulla also reflected on their dynamic, saying, "The whole Jayson-Jaylen discussion in the national media is laughable to all of us."
Emphasizing focus, Tatum added, "I don't have the time to give a f---."
Stevens offered perspective, "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."
He succinctly summed it up, "To me, teams thrive when there's little drama and they're moving in one direction. You have to stay in long enough. That's how you grow."
In the end, the story of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is not just about talent and success; it’s a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the unyielding belief that together, they could achieve greatness.