Brad Stevens recently joined Brian Scalabrine and Frank Isola on SiriusXM NBA Radio's show, The Starting Lineup.
Among the topics the three discussed was whether Jayson Tatum will be ready for the start of the Boston Celtics' training camp. Fans of the 18-time champions will love the answer provided by the organization's president of basketball operations.
Stevens stated he is impressed by how Tatum has looked leading up to camp. Beyond saying it certainly appears the star forward will be ready to go, he noted Tatum has been around as much as anyone.
Stevens credits the team's longest-tenured player for setting a great example for the rest of the group.
Jayson Tatum is setting the tone for Celtics training camp
This is fully Tatum's team now. He is the best player and the one who has been in Boston the longest. Beyond that, for the first time in his career, the roster is completely tailored to him.
The Celtics have gone all-in on building around and accentuating their top option. That's why it's great to see the former Duke Blue Devil look more explosive this summer. And to see how much stronger his right calf [the same side he tore his Achilles] is now than it was at the end of last season.
As Dr. Kevin Stone, a leading expert in Achilles tendon repairs, told Hardwood Houdini last year, "There's nothing about an Achilles rupture that should prevent him from coming back better than he was before."
The benefits of how far the medical world has come in treating this devastating injury were on full display, with Tatum again looking like a star upon returning last season.
Jayson Tatum enters this season with newfound confidence
As the four-time All-NBA First Team selection expressed during his exit interview, he's proud of what he proved to himself: that even after tearing his Achilles, he can still play at his standard.
That quieted any doubts or fears that may have existed. It provides him with peace of mind. That quickly translates into confidence. It also adds more fuel to the already burning desire to become his best self.
As difficult as it was for him not to play in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, what he demonstrated in his return is more significant. It set the stage for him to attack this offseason.
Tatum's work has set the tone for the team. Now, he is ready to lead the Celtics as they usher in a new era.
Add us as a preferred source on Google