A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown kept in touch over the summers mostly via text messages. Occasionally, they would run into each other after the playoffs and before training camp. Despite being teammates and colleagues, they were not close friends. With long playoff runs, offseasons tend to feel short. Last summer, the Celtics lost 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 could tear a team apart.
The Celtics were about to face salary cap issues with Brown's contract, and both stars sensed the urgency of the situation. The team had been patient with them, unlike the impatient fans and relentless media. Realizing the need for improvement, Brown called Tatum and suggested they work out together. Assistant coach Sam Cassell organized their workouts, and trainer Drew Hanlen ran them. Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce joined them, lifting weights and observing their sessions. This summer of hard work pushed them beyond their limits and cemented a bond that carried through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown were always recognized for their talent. The game needed to slow down for them to make a significant impact. Comparisons were made to other dynamic duos in NBA history like Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. Despite facing ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries, they never lost faith. To support Tatum and Brown, the Celtics made wholesale changes. Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations. The coaching carousel saw Ime Udoka being hired and then fired, only for Joe Mazzulla to be hired as an assistant and eventually promoted to head coach. Three veteran stars were brought in to mentor the young duo. The team leaned into Tatum and Brown as its leaders.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Brad Stevens played a pivotal role in keeping Brown and Tatum together. He endorsed drafting each of them and went on to build the team around them, declining trades for several big-name players over the years. Stevens often reassured Brown of the organization’s unwavering commitment. This commitment reached its zenith when Stevens signed Brown to the largest contract in NBA history. Brown used this as motivation to improve, and it showed. He played the best basketball of his career in the latest playoffs and was named MVP of both the conference finals and the NBA Finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown were no strangers to media criticisms, but they learned to block them out. Tatum's 6-year-old son, Deuce, became a symbol of his journey with the Celtics. The duo had been through losses and faced high expectations and speculation. Deuce helped Tatum cope after losing the 2022 Finals, fueling his focus on training and addressing his game’s weaknesses. This focus led to significant improvement in the playoffs.
Their story is often highlighted by their personal relationship. Winning together made any debates about their relationship irrelevant. The Celtics had one of their most successful seasons with minimal drama. Head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized a growth mentality.
Quotes and Reflections
"We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down," remarked Tatum, reflecting on their path to glory. Fans and media were quick to criticize: "Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him." Yet, the cohesion and mutual trust between Tatum and Brown were the cornerstones of their success. "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," said Brown, shedding light on their journey.
Stevens had unwavering faith in Brown's potential. "I always felt for him in that regard. I think now that maybe I could have been better," he admitted. Brown's response was a testament to his character: "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."
Their story is studded with key moments and reflections. "If you would have asked me that maybe a year ago, I would probably say yeah. But just 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," Tatum shared, emphasizing their collaborative spirit.
"To elevate yourself in a space where all your favorite players are in, everybody that they consider greats or legends have won a championship... Now I can walk in those rooms and be a part of that. It's a hell of a feeling," Brown expressed, encapsulating the significance of their championship run.
The national media's take on the Tatum-Brown partnership often came off as laughable to those within the organization. "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,'" said Stevens.
"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,” Mazzulla concluded, summarizing the philosophy that drove their championship season.