A Summer of Change for Tatum and Brown
Tatum and Brown kept in touch over the summers via text. Occasionally, they ran into each other after the playoffs and before training camp. They were teammates and colleagues, but not close friends. Offseasons tend to feel short when playoff runs are long. Last summer, the Celtics lost a 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 have torn the team apart. The team was about to get more expensive with Brown's contract. Both stars sensed the urgency.
The Celtics had been patient with them, unlike fans and media. Brown called Tatum to suggest they work out together. Assistant coach Sam Cassell arranged the workouts, and trainer Drew Hanlen ran them. Paul Pierce lifted weights with them and observed their workouts. They pushed each other and cemented a bond. This bond carried through one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history.
Overcoming Adversity
They were always good and talented, but the game needed to slow down for them. Comparisons were made to Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, among others. Tatum and Brown experienced ego issues, tough opponents, and injuries, but never lost faith. The Celtics made wholesale changes to support Tatum and Brown. Brad Stevens transitioned from coach to president of basketball operations. Ime Udoka was hired and then fired as coach. Joe Mazzulla was hired as an assistant and then promoted to head coach. Three veteran stars were brought in to mentor them. The team leaned into Tatum and Brown as leaders.
The Decision to Keep Them Together
Stevens is responsible for keeping Brown and Tatum together. He signed off on drafting each of them and built the team around them. He declined trades for several big-name players over the years. Stevens often reassured Brown of the organization’s commitment to him. He signed Brown to the largest contract in NBA history. Brown used this commitment as motivation to improve, playing the best basketball of his career in these playoffs. He was named MVP of the conference finals and finals.
The Journey to Championship Glory
Tatum and Brown heard media criticisms but blocked them out. Tatum's six-year-old son, Deuce, symbolizes his journey with the Celtics. Brown and Tatum have been through losses, expectations, and media speculation. Deuce helped Tatum after losing the 2022 Finals. Determined to improve, Tatum focused on training and addressing weaknesses in his game, leading to significant improvement in the playoffs. Their story often highlights their personal relationship as much as their athletic achievements. Together, they won, making debates about their relationship irrelevant. The Celtics had a highly successful season with minimal drama.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizes having a growth mentality. He states, “We were always good and talented. The game needed to slow down.”
The perseverance of Tatum and Brown silenced doubters. “Oh, they didn't win it. They can't play together. They should trade him.” Those criticisms now seem laughable.
Brad Stevens reflects, “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.”
Tatum added, “I always felt for him in that regard. I think now that maybe I could have been better.”
Stevens, commenting on Brown, notes, “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.”
Personal Growth and Dedication
The discussion in the national media about whether Tatum and Brown could play together now seems absurd. Tatum dismissed it, saying, “I don't have the time to give a f---.”
Mazzulla highlights the significance of longevity and growth, stating, “You have to stay in long enough. That's how you grow.”
Reflecting on the journey, Stevens said, “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.'”
And now, with a championship to their names, Tatum and Brown can fully appreciate their growth and success. "Now I can 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,” Tatum shared.
Brown's personal journey, particularly his growth as a father, adds a poignant touch to their story. “He was scared s----, 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,” noted Tatum.
In the end, the relentless dedication of both stars paid off. “It took being relentless,” said Brown. From the low points of their careers to the ultimate victory, their journey underscores what it means to persevere, grow, and succeed together as a team.