Boston Celtics News: Jayson Tatum Trash Talks Joel Embiid, Terry Rozier Free Agency & More

Over the summer, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum occasionally worked out with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, who shares the same personal trainer as Tatum, the St. Louis-based Drew Hanlen.

As the Celtics prepare for their season opener against the 76ers on Tuesday evening at the TD Garden, Tatum told assembled media that he didn’t let Embiid forget Boston’s playoff beat down of Philadelphia. Per Tom Westerholm of MassLive:

"“I just kept reminding him that we almost swept them,” Tatum said. “We should have swept them, but we let them win one game. We were joking around and getting better.”"

After an historic rookie season, Tatum is entering his second season with the swagger of a player who worked hard to improve and become a star in this league. Somewhat of a quiet kid last year, Tatum seems more comfortable in his skin heading into this season, showing more of his personality and joking about Danny Ainge not drafting him No. 1 overall.

Meanwhile. reserve guard Terry Rozier has never been one to hold back his opinion or sensor himself. He thrived in a playoff beef with Milwaukee’s Eric Bledsoe, befriended Patriots legend Drew Bledsoe, and says ‘there’s a real rivalry brewing’ with Philadelphia.

"“It’s gonna be two teams getting after it, whether it’s biting, scratching, no matter what you have to do to win, that’s what it’s gonna be,” Rozier said. “I think we’re looking forward to it. I know I am. I like the stuff that Embiid talks. It’s good for basketball, it’ll get you hyped up, so you know, if they like it, we love it. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We ready for it.”"

Boston Celtics News and Notes From FanSided

Bold Predictions: Terry Rozier will win Sixth Man of the Year award in 2018-2019 [Sam Minton — Chowder and Champions]

Minton predicts Rozier will be one of Boston’s top scorers off the bench and be the top bench player in the NBA.

Here at Hardwood Houdini, we wrote 3 ways Rozier can improve into an above-average starting-level PG. Rozier has signalled he won’t sign an extension by today’s Monday deadline, so what’s next for Rozier in Boston?

Raptors will finish with the most wins in the East [Robbie Stratakos — Sir Charles in Charge]

The author thinks Boston and Philadelphia will push them, but that with Kawhi Leonard in town, Toronto will once again finish first in the East.

Eerily accurate Eastern Conference over/under predictions [Keith Parish — FanSided NBA]

Will the Boston Celtics win more or less than 58 games? Parish predicts.

More Boston Celtics News From Around the Internet

Report: Terry Rozier rejects Boston’s $12 million extension offer [Moke Hamilton — Celtics Wire]

The Celtics reportedly offered the back up guard a contract starting at $12 million annually, but Rozier and his team believe he can make more on the open market in free agency and he is also looking forward to a chance to become a starting point guard somewhere.

Celtics waive Marcus Georges-Hunt, Jabari Bird remains on roster [Keith Smith — Celtics Blog]

Boston waived Georges-Hunt, who was on a training camp deal, before the season-opener Tuesday. Bird remains on the roster, but could still be suspended by the NBA or waived by the Celtics. In that case, Georges-Hunt may still have a chance to return to the roster.

Liam O’Brien detailed for us what Georges-Hunt brings to the table for an NBA team.

Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens uses Red Sox as team motivation [Nicole Yang — Boston.com]

Brock Holt hit for a cycle in the playoffs for the Boston Red Sox, then sat out the next game. Celtics coach Brad Stevens is using that moment to teach his team about sacrifice and championship mentality.

Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown says he fasted during 2018 playoffs [Tom Westerholm — MassLive]

Be sure to check back tomorrow (Tuesday) for complete coverage of the Boston Celtics Opening Night vs. the Philadelphia 76ers. The quest for a championship commences.