Celtics

What Kyrie Irving Told Jayson Tatum on His Way Out of Boston

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

Kyrie Irving had a fairly rocky breakup with the Boston Celtics, but it appears that he left young star Jayson Tatum with some sagely wisdom before he packed up and left for the Brooklyn Nets.

Irving clearly saw Tatum’s potential. Now, Tatum is leading a team that is just two wins away from earning a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“Ky told me this is my time and to embrace that role and be that dude,” Tatum said of his conversation with Irving, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Despite all the criticism that Irving has gotten over the years for his lack of leadership, Tatum seems to have nothing but respect for the star point guard.

“Ky is like my big brother,” said Tatum. “We still talk to this day, and we’ve talked a few times these playoffs. He always encourages me to be special. Having that relationship with him and having somebody like him in my ear at a young age, it means a lot.

 

“You can steal from a lot of different guys — Ky, Kobe [Bryant] — but you have to do it your own way. I’m one of the youngest guys on this team but I know the role I have. I know how these guys view me and they value what I have to say. I want the best for everybody and I just want to win. I’ve been more outspoken this year.”

Tatum averaged 27.0 points and 9.8 rebounds in his team’s four-game sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. He also shot 48.7 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from the three-point line in those games.

Against the defending champion Toronto Raptors, Tatum is averaging 27.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He’s somehow increased his efficiency from deep in the current series and is averaging 50.0 percent from the arc.

Clearly, Tatum is making a name for himself this postseason.

Jonathan Sherman

Jonathan has worked as a sports writer covering NBA and NFL news since 2017. He's a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Vikings.

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

Recent Posts

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

16 hours ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

18 hours ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

3 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

4 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

5 days ago

Shannon Sharpe implies Jamal Murray defers to Nikola Jokic like Kobe deferred to Shaq: ‘Murray is more than capable’

An ankle injury has kept Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic sidelined for more…

6 days ago