Boston Celtics: Kemba Walker “loving” his young and talented running mates

Kemba Walker admires how talented his Boston Celtics teammates are, especially Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, otherwise known as the “Jay-Team.”

Before Kemba Walker landed a deal with the young and talented Boston Celtics, he was the best player on the Charlotte Hornets for the last eight years. The point guard carried the Hornets’ franchise for the duration of his career.

Charlotte never really built a winning team around Walker, which is surprising seeing as Michael Jordan runs the show and knows what it takes to be a champion.

With the talent surrounding Walker in Boston, he isn’t expected to have to do everything for the team, and it’s a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. Walker scored 16 points when the Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 113-104 last week, and said this to Tom Westerholm of MassLive afterwards:

"“I’m loving it, especially when I’m not shooting the ball as well as I would like to.” “It’s fun to watch, man. These dudes [Tatum and Brown] are so talented, especially for their age. It just makes life easier for me.”"

Walker and the “Jay-Team” — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — had the chance to learn and get to know each other this summer while playing in the FIBA World Cup. The All-NBA honoree is a true leader, and even though the young guys on the Boston Celtics are exceptionally talented, they still need to be in the presence of a leader — that’s what Kemba does for them.

The energy and comradery in the locker room is high powered, and the admiration and respect between Walker and his teammates are second to none. The 29-year-old All-Star and the Boston Celtics needed each other at just the right times and it seems to be a perfect fit.

One of the key words surrounding the C’s this season has been “fun”. From coach Brad Stevens all the way to his players, it’s obvious everyone is truly enjoying themselves and being a part of the historic franchise that the Boston Celtics are.

In 2018, Stevens said something that I believe is part of his overall coaching philosophy. He wants basketball to be “fun for his team”.

After the turmoil of last season, Danny Ainge wanted to make sure Brad Stevens was happy with his team and emphasized how important it is for a coach to be happy with the players he has. It seems Ainge has done that this season for Stevens and his Boston Celtics.

Boston Celtics fans have to be pleased with what they’ve seen from their team this season. And, just 22 games in, it must be said — it’s only the beginning.