Amile Jefferson’s hiring shows Boston Celtics focused on pleasing Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics hired former Duke assistant Amile Jefferson to join Joe Mazzullas’s staff. The move is interesting, considering Jefferson has only been coaching for a couple of seasons. However, with Jefferson’s connections to Duke and Jayson Tatum, the move is not surprising.
Duke assistant coach Amile Jefferson is finalizing a deal to join Joe Mazzulla’s staff with the Boston Celtics, according to @TravisBranham_ and @247Sports.
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) June 21, 2023
Jefferson is a close friend of Jayson Tatum. pic.twitter.com/FULhIrfdrP
The hiring ultimately shows that the Celtics continue to be focused on pleasing Tatum.
Jefferson and Tatum played together for one season at Duke in 2017, and the duo formed a strong bond. The Celtics also brought Jefferson in during the COVID season, which shows that they think highly of him. Jefferson’s connection to Tatum is great for the team because it is another reason why Tatum should feel comfortable and happy. Having a comfortable and happy Tatum could lead to a huge MVP season and potentially Banner 18.
BIG loss for Duke. Happy for Amile.
— Zion O. (@DukeNBA) June 21, 2023
Tatum and Amile back together. https://t.co/lIT7nhgt31 pic.twitter.com/IdcBABRYOw
I like this move for the Boston Celtics because it shows they understand the modern NBA. This new era of the NBA is all about pleasing your superstar and doing everything you can to make sure they stay long-term.
The Celtics are showing their faith in Tatum and that they value him by bringing in someone that he likes. This is one of the most important things for the Celtics every season, and I am happy that they are starting on the right foot this offseason by pleasing Tatum.
Love this latest hire by the Celtics. Amile Jefferson is a rising star in coaching business. https://t.co/kyeLW0meFw
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 21, 2023
Timing of Amile Jefferson hiring is interesting for Boston Celtics
The timing of this move is interesting because it comes just days after Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns. I find this interesting because Beal is one of Tatum’s closest friends and the Cs failed to get him.
The Boston Celtics may have been doing damage control by hiring Jefferson to help keep Tatum happy despite not getting Beal. With Tatum’s supermax looming, that’s a smart move by a franchise that is only losing leverage as their homegrown stars get their raises.