BOSTON — Just a few months ago, the Boston Celtics were crowned NBA Champions. Now, it’s the start of a new season. Celtics Media Day was on Tuesday, September 24, marking the beginning of a new campaign for the league, including the reigning champs. But in between then and now, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had to endure tireless drama that was wholly out of their control.
Brown was snubbed from Team USA’s roster entirely. Even when Kawhi Leonard was removed, it was his Celtics teammate, Derrick White, who got the nod. As for Tatum, he was benched in two of the team’s six games during the 2024 Olympics. As a result, both players were thrown to the wolves (AKA the media) all offseason.
At Media Day, they got their chance to respond.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown handled Team USA drama perfectly at Celtics Media Day
While at the podium, Tatum was asked about his experience with Team USA. But the reporter failed to directly ask about the fact that he was benched twice.
Tatum refused to answer the question until he said it.
The Celtics star went back and forth (with a smirk on his face) before finally saying the quiet part out loud himself.
“You want to address that I didn’t play in two of those games? Is that what you mean?” Tatum said.
"I'm not going to give anybody in particular credit that they're motivating me coming into the season."
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) September 24, 2024
Jayson Tatum on extra motivation after being benched for two games at the Olympics pic.twitter.com/gvUw5cw2dk
In his own subtle way, Tatum fired back at the drama. Rather than just giving a simple answer, ignoring the real question, and moving away from the topic, Tatum brought it up. In fact, he refused to move on until he was directly asked about the benchings.
As for Brown, the very first question of his press conference was about him not making Team USA. Before the reporter could even finish his question, Brown interrupted him. (NSFW Warning: Language)
“G-----n, question number one?” Brown said, laughing. “I don’t get to warm up a little? S---.”
Jaylen Brown's reaction to this reporters question 😂 pic.twitter.com/CuprGYW4C5
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) September 24, 2024
He’s going to be motivated.
“I'm ready to go,” Brown said. “I'm excited about being back. The past is the past, but I'm ready to get after it.”
Without missing a beat, just like Tatum, Brown immediately clapped back at the question. Neither Celtics star went at the issue in a malicious way, but rather in a sort of sarcastic tone.
Both of them handled the questions perfectly, and Celtics fans should be excited to see how they play next year. They were champions last year, but with a summer full of drama under their belts, they aren’t going to lose any of the competitive fire that helped them capture Banner 18 a few months ago.