A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
During past summers, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown kept in touch primarily through text messages. Occasionally, they would run into each other during the brief gap between the end of the playoffs and the onset of training camp. Despite being teammates and colleagues, they were not particularly close friends. The offseasons often seemed fleeting, especially when the Celtics' playoff runs were deep.
Last summer, the Celtics faced a heart-wrenching loss in Game 7 of the conference finals to the Miami Heat. Tatum, hobbled by an ankle injury, couldn't be the player they needed him to be, and Brown was unable to carry the load. It was a loss potent enough to potentially tear the team apart. Furthermore, Brown's escalating contract costs meant the team was about to get more expensive. The urgency of the situation wasn't lost on either of them.
The Celtics' organization had been patient and supportive, a stark contrast to the often critical fans and media. Against this backdrop, Brown took the initiative and suggested to Tatum that they work out together over the summer. With the assistance of coach Sam Cassell and trainer Drew Hanlen, they organized workouts. NBA legend Paul Pierce even joined them for weightlifting sessions and workouts. Over time, these activities pushed each other to new limits and helped cement a stronger bond. This budding camaraderie became the foundation for one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
Tatum and Brown have always been recognized for their talent and skill. However, the game had to slow down for them. They were often compared to other dynamic duos like Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, but they faced their own set of challenges including ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries. Nevertheless, they never lost faith.
The Celtics organization made significant changes to support their star players. Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to President of Basketball Operations. Ime Udoka was hired and then fired as head coach, with Joe Mazzulla stepping in initially as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach. The team also brought in three veteran stars to mentor Tatum and Brown, who were being increasingly leaned on as team leaders.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Stevens was particularly instrumental in keeping the duo together. He was responsible not only for drafting both players but also for building a team around them. Over the years, Stevens turned down trade offers for several high-profile players, often reassuring Brown of the Celtics' commitment to him. This culminated in Brown being signed to the largest contract in NBA history. Using this commitment as motivation, Brown played the best basketball of his career in these playoffs, ultimately being named MVP of both the conference finals and the NBA Finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown often heard media criticisms but chose to block out the noise. Tatum's six-year-old son, Deuce, has become a symbol of his journey with the Celtics. Together, Brown and Tatum have experienced losses, dealt with high expectations, and faced intense media scrutiny. After losing the 2022 Finals, Deuce helped his father stay grounded, allowing Tatum to focus on training and addressing weaknesses in his game. This led to significant playoff improvements.
Beyond their on-court synergy, Tatum and Brown's personal relationship has deepened. While debates about their compatibility raged on in the media, they disproved their critics by winning together. The Celtics enjoyed a highly successful season with minimal drama, showcasing a "growth mentality" as emphasized by coach Mazzulla.
Quotes from the Journey
"We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down," said a reflective Brown. He later added, "Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him."
Reflecting on the importance of team dynamics, Stevens remarked, "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."
On his relationship with Brown, Tatum admitted, "I always felt for him in that regard. I think now that maybe I could have been better."
Responding to questions about his personal awards, Brown stated, "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."
A particularly poignant quote from Stevens encapsulates the essence of their perseverance, "It took being relentless. It took being on the other side of this and losing in the Finals, being at literally the lowest point in a basketball career that you could be, to then bouncing back, showing tremendous growth, and ultimately winning."
Brown summarized their journey with, "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.
Indeed, the journey of Tatum and Brown from talented young players to NBA champions is a testament to the power of persistence, teamwork, and the enduring belief in each other. It’s a story that has now been cemented in the annals of Celtics’ lore, immune to debates and speculations about their compatibility.