Ex-All Star Reveals How Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Emerged Out of His and Kyrie Irving’s Shadow

In the last few seasons, the Boston Celtics have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. Even though they fell short several times, the Celts have always remained a threat. One of the main reasons for their successful campaigns is their roster formed around two stars. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. JT and JB took over the franchise leadership after the departure of Kyrie Irving and his experienced teammate. However, there is an interesting story before that.

Brown played his rookie season in the 2016-17 season followed by Tatum in the next season. To set the road for the future, the management roped in two experienced campaigners alongside JT. And the youngsters were under the shadow of these two players until they emerged into the light. Let’s find out the interesting backstory revealed by Uncle Drew’s ex-teammate.

All-Star revealed how Tatum & Brown emerged out of his and Kyrie Irving’s shadows

Former Boston Celtic and the other experienced campaigner is none other than the Charlotte Hornets star Gordon Hayward. Featuring in the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George, he revealed how the Celtics leadership was transitioned from him and Kyrie Irving to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Hayward began the story by establishing the commitment the duo showed in the gym way back in their rookie years. And, followed by the vision developed by the then-Celtics coach Brad Stevens. He further went on to narrate the conversation between him and Brad. He said, “He [Brad] said his vision was for me and Kyrie to kinda run the team for three-four years and have Jaylen and Jayson takeover after that.”

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as per Stevens’ plan, as the duo took over the responsibility prematurely. Hayward continued, “Because I got injured because Kyrie got injured it just opened the door for them to get that experience… at the very beginning.”

Nevertheless, it was Stevens who envisioned the current Celtics team back in 2017.

Read More – Kyrie Irving Injury Update: Will the Mavericks Star Return vs Jazz After Suffering Heel Contusion?

Let’s find out more about the unfortunate injuries that played a major role in the Celtics’ future.

Irving and Hayward’s injuries

Gordon Hayward started his Celtics career in the most unfortunate way possible. Five minutes into his first game for the Celtics in 2017, he dislocated his ankle and fractured his tibia. This horrific injury kept him out for the rest of the season.

On the other hand, Kyrie Irving was ruled out in mid-season of 2017-18 due to a knee injury, and required four months to recover, reported NBA.

Fortunately, these two stars’ absence helped Tatum and Brown get the early experience, ultimately helping them to lead the team in the future. Since their leadership, the team hasn’t missed a single playoff.

What do you make of the JT & JB origin story? Let us know in the comments below.

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