A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
During the summers, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown remained in touch primarily via text messages. Occasionally, they would run into each other between the end of the playoffs and the beginning of the training camp. While they were teammates and colleagues, they were not particularly close friends.
Long playoff runs made the offseasons feel short, and last summer was particularly painful as the Celtics lost a Game 7 to the Miami Heat in the conference finals. Tatum turned an ankle, and Brown couldn't compensate for it, leading to a loss that could have torn the team apart. Matters grew more complicated as the Celtics faced increasing financial pressures with Brown's contract. Both stars understood the urgency of the situation.
Unlike the often impatient fans and media, the Celtics organization had been patient with Tatum and Brown. Sensing the need for improvement, Brown called Tatum and suggested they work out together. Assistant coach Sam Cassell arranged these workouts, and trainer Drew Hanlen supervised them. Even Celtics legend Paul Pierce participated, lifting weights with them and lending his insights during their sessions. These exercises fostered a bond between Tatum and Brown that carried through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown always had immense talent, but the game's pace needed to slow down for them. Their journey was often compared to other legendary duos like Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. They faced ego issues, challenging opponents, and injuries but never lost faith in their abilities or each other.
The Celtics made significant changes to support their star players. Brad Stevens transitioned from being the head coach to the president of basketball operations. Ime Udoka was hired and then later replaced by Joe Mazzulla, who was initially brought in as an assistant and then promoted to head coach. Additionally, three veteran stars were brought in to mentor Tatum and Brown, as the team leaned into them as leaders.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Brad Stevens played a crucial role in keeping Brown and Tatum together. He endorsed drafting both of them and meticulously built the team around them. He declined several trade offers for big-name players over the years and frequently reassured Brown of the organization's commitment to him. Eventually, Stevens signed Brown to the largest contract in NBA history. Motivated by this commitment, Brown played the best basketball of his career in these playoffs, earning the title of MVP for both the conference finals and the finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Both Tatum and Brown faced media criticisms but successfully blocked them out. Tatum's 6-year-old son, Deuce, came to symbolize his journey with the Celtics. Together, Tatum and Brown navigated through losses, high expectations, and constant media speculation.
After losing the 2022 Finals, Deuce helped Tatum refocus on his training, addressing the weaknesses in his game. The considerable improvements in Tatum's playoff performance underscored his commitment. Tatum and Brown’s narrative has frequently involved their relationship, and their co-success has rendered debates about their compatibility irrelevant.
The Celtics had a highly successful season with minimal drama, a testament to the team's focus and cohesion. Coach Joe Mazzulla often talks about fostering a growth mentality within the squad, emphasizing continuous improvement.
Quotes and Reflections
The journey of Tatum and Brown is a lesson in resilience and teamwork. "We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down," remarked one of them. Despite naysayers claiming, "Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him," the duo remained committed to each other and the team.
"It's all about how we treated each other. Nothing else matters," one player reflected. Despite facing challenges, Brown's dedication to improvement never wavered. "I don't ever win s---," he candidly admitted, pointing to his focus on team success over individual accolades.
"I trusted him. He trusted me. And we did it together," sums up the essence of their partnership. Their commitment to each other and the team paid off, not only in victories but also in personal growth and maturity.
One poignant moment was Tatum worrying about his son, saying, "I don't want to roll over on him," showcasing his growth as both a player and a father. "No one's ready to have a child when they're still living out their childhood dream," noted Brown, acknowledging the complexities of balancing personal and professional lives.
"You're damn right I am," one player declared, encapsulating their relentless pursuit of success. "It took being relentless," they emphasized, a trait fundamental to their journey from the lowest points in their careers to the pinnacle of NBA success.
Today, Tatum and Brown walk among the greats, their championship win validating their hard work and dedication. "Now I can, like, walk in those rooms and be a part of that. It's a hell of a feeling," Tatum remarked, reflecting on their journey.
The national media's speculation about their relationship may continue, but for now, the Celtics can revel in a season marked by exceptional performance and growing team cohesion. "To me, teams thrive when there's little drama and they're moving in one direction," summarizes the essence of their success. Indeed, perseverance and unity have defined their pathway to glory.