At the request of Joe Mazzulla, former Celtics were invited to share their experience with the current squad. Among them there are Paul Pierceand “The Truth” does more than share his experience, since he played private coach to Jayson Tatum.
“I go to Los Angeles every summer to train with Drew Hanlen, and since this year, Sam Cassell has been taking care of me” says the Celtics winger. “Sam arrived for a few days, and he showed up one day with Paul. And finally, they came three or four days in a row. When Sam returned to Boston, Paul was the type to ask when the next practice was. »
Result: Paul Pierce continued to train with Jayson Tatum, and not just on the field. He also accompanied her to the gym!
“Paul would come to the weight room and work out with me and Nick (Tatum’s strength coach), then he would get in the car and follow us to the gym, and he would watch me work out.” continues Jayson Tatum. “ It lasted three or four weeks. I saw Paul every day and it was cool to have him by my side. It was cool to train with him. Paul was motivated. »
The 2008 title experience
Physically motivated, if Jayson Tatum is to be believed. “ He lost something like 7 or 9 kilos. We had the impression that he felt rejuvenated by my contact and that of my friends. It was an honor to have him by my side, to talk to him and tell stories. It was cool spending time with him. He’s a Celtics legend, an NBA legend and he’s someone I have a lot of respect for. »
And what did he learn from their exchanges?
“His different experiences, and especially 2008” answers Jayson Tatum. “The ups and downs, what they achieved as a group and as a unit. How they held everyone accountable because at some point in the season you’re going to need everyone to win a game. It was cool to hear him talk about the 2008 team and how much fun they had, the struggles, the arguments and the good times they had. It was cool to hear those stories.”
