Jayson Tatum’s basketball camp has everybody talking

Jayson Tatum’s basketball camp is formally underway, and to this point, we’ve had blocked photographs, Duece look requests, and a few very considerate solutions throughout media availability..

Earlier than we take a look at Tatum’s discussions with the press, let’s begin with the enjoyable stuff just like the St. Louis native doing his greatest Robert Williams impression by sending a younger fan’s shot flying into the gang.

Okay, honest is honest, you took a shot towards an All-NBA expertise, and it acquired blocked – whaddya count on to occur? And extra importantly, do you actually care? Since you acquired to take a shot towards Jayson Tatum, and that is definitely worth the entry payment alone!

Nonetheless, the occasion didn’t all go in Tatum’s favor, as some youngsters managed to attain on him – and I’m betting that’s what led to him blocking the above shot so callously. Gotta save face the place you may, proper?

And whereas we’re on the subject of youngsters, take a look at this younger fan who acquired a possibility to ask Tatum something he needed…and he selected to ask to fulfill Duece! I imply, Tatum has persistently mentioned that his mini-me is the larger star, however this could be the primary time we’ve truly seen it on video.

“I all the time like doing these camps, simply to see the thrill on their faces once I are available in. That’s simply extraordinarily pure, and it’s all about simply having enjoyable, and I feel that’s one of the best half,” Tatum said.

Okay, that’s sufficient of the enjoyable stuff! Now we will get into the precise basketball facet of issues, and all of it begins with the All-Star wing speaking about how he’s remained in touch along with his teammates all through the summer time.

“We’ve all been in touch, simply checking in on one another, see how they’re doing. Everyone is touring with their household and stuff proper now, however in all probability subsequent month, guys will begin getting again within the fitness center. A few of us could be in LA collectively and we’ll work out, stuff like that,” Tatum told reporters when asked about his communication with the team throughout the summer.

Tatum was additionally requested about staff chemistry – which is one thing the Celtics have struggled to create over the previous few seasons with combined outcomes. And with all the present commerce rumors swirling round, it will likely be fascinating to see how that chemistry holds up subsequent season. However for now, the 24-year-old wing is remaining assured in his staff’s collective mindset, and that’s encouraging as we proceed to shut in on coaching camp.

“Chemistry is half the battle. I really feel like you may have a terrific staff with nice expertise, and never essentially gel collectively. You guys noticed we figured it out in January and by no means seemed again…it’s slightly totally different, figuring out that we acquired to a sure level and was so shut. And we’re excited to get again to that, get again to the group, as a result of we’ve acquired unfinished enterprise.”

Tatum additionally spoke on the nagging shoulder damage that he sustained within the Miami Heat collection, giving an encouraging replace that may have Celtics followers in every single place respiration a sigh of reduction.

“It was an extended season than I had ever performed, however the shoulder feels good, I’ve acquired sufficient relaxation, so my physique feels actually good,” Tatum mentioned, “ what works for you, what chances are you’ll want to vary, whether or not or not it’s one thing in your power program or your food regimen, so I feel that simply going via issues and having that have, you study from it.”

This previous week might need been stuffed with commerce rumors and issues about Jaylen Brown’s future with the franchise, however Tatum’s camp and what he instructed the medi, is an effective reminder that this Celtics staff is the true deal – they’re close-knit, want to enhance off final season, have improved their depth, and most significantly, they’re loving their time within the league.

When issues are enjoyable, success usually comes simpler, and judging by all of the movies popping out of the camp, there wasn’t a tragic face to be seen throughout the board – and that’s what basketball, in its purist kind, is all about – typically it is good to do not forget that.