A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have found themselves tethered by circumstance and ambition, their summer interactions mostly confined to texts and sporadic encounters post-playoffs and pre-training camp. Despite being teammates and colleagues, they were hardly close friends. With playoff runs extending into the offseason, the break between games often feels fleeting.
Last summer, the Celtics faced a crushing Game 7 defeat to the Miami Heat in the conference finals. Tatum turned an ankle, and Brown couldn’t shoulder the load alone. Such a loss could have fragmented the team, but with Brown's impending contract set to increase the team’s financial commitments, both stars sensed the urgency of the situation. The organization showed patience with Tatum and Brown, a sharp contrast to the impatience of fans and media.
Brown took the initiative, proposing they train together during the offseason. With the help of Assistant Coach Sam Cassell, workouts were arranged, executed under the watchful eye of trainer Drew Hanlen. Celtic great Paul Pierce oftentimes joined, lifting weights and participating in their drills. These sessions were more than just workouts—they were a crucible that fused a bond between the two players, which subsequently fueled one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown always possessed immense talent; the challenge was getting the game to slow down for them. Comparisons to dynamic duos like Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway emerged as the duo faced ego issues, formidable opponents, and injuries, yet never a loss of faith. The Celtics organization made significant changes to support them. Brad Stevens transitioned from coach to president of basketball operations, Ime Udoka was hired and subsequently fired as coach, and Joe Mazzulla moved from assistant to head coach. The addition of three veteran stars to mentor Tatum and Brown was another key move.
The Celtics leaned heavily into the young stars as leaders, recognizing their critical roles in the team’s success.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Brad Stevens was instrumental in uniting Brown and Tatum. Stevens endorsed drafting both players and systematically built the team around them, opting against trading them for other high-profile names over the years. He continually reassured Brown of the organization’s commitment, which culminated in Brown signing the largest contract in NBA history. This vote of confidence became a driving force for Brown, who delivered the best basketball of his career during the playoffs, earning MVP honors for both the conference finals and the finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Despite relentless media criticism, Tatum and Brown focused on their game. Tatum's young son, Deuce, became a symbol of his journey with the Celtics. Having endured losses, lofty expectations, and endless speculation, the duo tuned out the noise and honed their craft. After losing the 2022 Finals, Deuce provided comfort to his father, inspiring Tatum to work on his game and address his weaknesses. His efforts yielded remarkable improvements in the playoffs.
While the story of Tatum and Brown often emphasizes their on-court chemistry, their personal relationship is equally compelling. Their triumphant season rendered debates about their compatibility moot, as the Celtics experienced an extraordinarily successful, drama-free season. Head Coach Mazzulla highlights a collective growth mentality within the team.
Quotes from the Journey
“We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down,” Tatum reflects on their path. He recounted facing criticisms like, "Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him," which only further motivated them.
Stevens emphasized the importance of camaraderie, stating, "When we're all done in our time with the Celtics, as coaches, as players, all that's going to matter is how we treated each other. Nothing else matters."
Brown, lauded for his relentless work ethic, said, "You worry about how some people would handle that. Not Jaylen. He just wants to get better. He takes everything as motivation to improve."
The evolution of their relationship was not without its challenges. "I always felt for [Tatum] in that regard. I think now that maybe I could have been better," Brown admitted.
Tatum’s purple patch coincided with his role as a father. "He was born six weeks into the season and I was scared. I was like, 'I don't want to roll over on him.' He was scared too, just like I was." One of his teammates acknowledged, "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."
“It took being relentless,” said Brown. Another pivotal experience was losing in the Finals, which Tatum described as "literally the lowest point in my basketball career." The subsequent comeback, he noted, made the eventual triumph even sweeter: "Now I can walk in those rooms and be a part of that. It's a hell of a feeling."
By achieving championship glory, Tatum and Brown cemented their place in NBA lore. The Celtics' cohesive, drama-free approach ensured their success, proving that patience, persistence, and unity can forge a path to greatness.