Most players use their first few seasons in the NBA to develop their game at a professional level. Their potential is often evident, but it can take time to learn all of the tricks of this trade. Boston Celtics teammates Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, however, think they're ready to lead now.
Brown, now 21 years of age, and Tatum, 20, recently spoke with Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe about the roles they'd like to play in the coming season.
“We just come and we want to make a difference now,” Brown said. “We’re not looking at it like we’re only 19, we’re only 20. We don’t see it that way — the way the world sees it. We’re young and we want to lead and be part of winning now. I think we showed that we could do it last year, and now it’s time to take it to the next step.”
Without the services of Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, the Celtics made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. However, they were ultimately defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games. Now that Irving and Hayward have returned from injury, the Celtics are among the favorites to win the East this season.
Brown and Tatum had a big hand in Boston's success last season. In his 70 regular-season appearances, Brown racked up averages of 14.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting (39.5 percent from beyond the arc), 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and one steal. As a rookie, Tatum played in 80 games, averaging 13.9 points on 47.5 percent shooting (43.4 percent from downtown), 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a steal.
Though they're a young squad, the Celtics are loaded with talent. Let's see if Brown and Tatum can become the leaders they hope to be.
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