Jayson Tatum was interviewed after the Celtics’ pregame practice before taking on the Wizards in the play-in. He spoke about playing vs longtime friend Bradley Beal, how the C’s will manage without Jaylen Brown and the media’s criticisms of his leadership style.
Tatum and Beal befriended each other in high school and remained close since.
Tatum commented on how special it is to play him in such an important game. “It’s cool,” he stated. “I do love anytime I get to match up with him… everybody back home, they’re going to be tuned in watching the game… he’s obviously one of my favorite players… this is a cool moment.”
The two-time All-Star also talked about how the Celtics are handling the injury to Jaylen Brown. He had this to say: “As far as myself and every other player, it’s what I’ve been saying since I got to the Celtics when anybody on the team is out… next-man-up, everybody has to do more, including myself… that’s what we have to do to go as far as we can.”
Lastly, Tatum was asked about his leadership style. Many questioned his calm demeanor this season, and this was his response to that question: “Everybody is different, right… I’m sure the people who watch the games and give their opinions on what happens kind of want you to be a certain way… it [yelling, screaming] works for some guys… it can be in how you play, how you show up every day, pulling guys to the side… everybody won’t see that… since I’m not overly emotion they kinda can question whatever they want to question… leadership comes in all different types of fashion, and I just do it in my own way.”
