The Boston Celtics have been one of the league’s most consistent teams in recent years. The Celts have always been a threat, despite falling short on multiple occasions. One of the primary reasons for their successful campaigns is their lineup, which is centered on two stars. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. After Kyrie Irving and his experienced colleague left, JT and JB took over as franchise leaders. However, there is an intriguing narrative preceding that.
Brown made his debut in the 2016-17 season, followed by Tatum the following year. To lay the groundwork for the future, management enlisted the help of two seasoned campaigners in addition to JT. And until these two athletes emerged into the sun, the juniors were in their shadow. Let’s look at Uncle Drew’s ex-teammate’s intriguing past.
The All-Star explained how Tatum and Brown came from his and Kyrie Irving’s shadows
Gordon Hayward, a former Boston Celtic and current Charlotte Hornet, is the other veteran campaigner. He detailed how the Celtics leadership was moved from him and Kyrie Irving to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George.
Hayward opened the anecdote by emphasizing the dedication the two demonstrated in the gym during their rookie years. And then there was the concept crafted by then-Celtics coach Brad Stevens. He then went on to describe his conversation with Brad. He went on to say, “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, Stevens’ scheme was foiled when the two assumed responsibility too soon. He went on to say, “Because I got injured because Kyrie got injured it just opened the door for them to get that experience… at the very beginning.”
Let’s learn more about the unfortunate injuries that impacted the Celtics’ future.
Injuries to Irving and Hayward
Gordon Hayward got his Celtics career off to the worst possible start. He dislocated his ankle and fractured his tibia five minutes into his debut game for the Celtics in 2017. This horrible injury forced him to miss the rest of the season.
Kyrie Irving, on the other hand, was ruled out in the middle of the 2017-18 season due to a knee injury and required four months to recuperate, according to the NBA.
Fortunately, the absence of these two players allowed Tatum and Brown to gain valuable early experience, allowing them to eventually lead the squad. The team hasn’t missed a single postseason game under their leadership.