Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
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Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum went through a period of doubt before returning to the Boston Celtics‘ rotation. The All-Star forward spoke honestly about his concerns about coming back from his Achilles injury mid-season.
When speaking with Heavy on Sports, via Nettotobak Snus Online, former Celtics player and developmental coach Evan Turner detailed a conversation he had with Tatum before he decided to make an in-season comeback.
“This is the conversation we had, when I guess he wasn’t sure if he was coming back or not,” Turner said. “I was just like, ‘Hey, bro, worry about who you’re going to marry or if you want to have another kid. Or, like, if you want to buy a new car. Like, sometimes God touched people twice.”
Turner continued.
“Like, this is basketball — it’s what you do. So don’t second-guess it. This is your gift. If you want to do it, go out and do it and go kill it. But don’t second-guess like, am I a different person? No, you still have him. Act like it. When you come out, I want you to come out acting like a mob boss. And your boy’s still got the block popping.’”
Tatum has played eight games since returning from his injury, and while his shooting is still a work in progress, he’s looked solid in multiple other areas.
Turner Impressed With Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla
During the same conversation, Turner also detailed why he believes head coach Joe Mazzulla has been so successful since taking over the hot seat.
“That culture, that mentality, obviously Joe being who he is, his upbringing, the Bob Huggins background,” Turner said. “He is tough-minded, but I think that sharks swim with sharks, and that’s why Brad brought him on for his staff and then had no hesitancy to give Joe that job once all that stuff went down.”
Turner continued.
“Joe’s a killer. I think you’re gonna see a lot of success from him. I think one thing that shocks you is that I’d probably be bragging about it, but those two (Mazzulla and Brad Stevens) stay humble, stay quiet, and they’ve got a bigger picture. Joe wants another championship. Brad wants to win everything.”
Mazzulla has taken control of 317 regular-season games for the Celtics, winning 229 of them (72.2%). He’s also been in the hot seat for 50 postseason games, enjoying 33 wins (66%). Furthermore, Mazzulla guided the Celtics to a championship in 2024.
Turner Believes In Celtics’ Star Duo
Another hot topic that Turner touched on was the partnership between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The All-Star pairing has consistently dealt with questions surrounding their ability to play on the same team and bring the best out of each other.
“I think it’s funny ’cause I’ve seen it up close,” Turner said. “After the first few minutes when I was around ’em, I’m like, oh, these dudes don’t hate on it. Like, they like each other. They have ultimate respect for each other.”
Turner continued.
“ There was no negative, no side eye, no anything. They know who they are, they know where they’re going… Those dudes are elite and I think as young individuals, young men, you just gotta let ’em sit back and cook and let them rock this generation.”
Boston will need both Tatum and Brown at their best if they’re going to win another championship in the coming years. Both players bring a different skillset to the team. Most importantly, they’ve already proven their ability to co-exist. This season should be no different.