Embracing the Boston Celtics Legacy: Kyrie Irving vs. Jayson Tatum

The Boston Celtics boast an unparalleled NBA history filled with legendary figures and moments. Icons like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, and Paul Pierce, alongside memorable events such as “Havlicek stole the ball,” have cemented the Celtics’ legacy. With 17 championship banners hanging in the rafters, the franchise is in pursuit of an 18th title as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

However, not all players instantly grasp the weight of this storied tradition. This disparity in understanding and embracing the Celtics’ history significantly influenced the trajectories of Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving during their time in Boston.

Jayson Tatum’s Journey

Jayson Tatum quickly realized the unique nature of the Celtics’ legacy upon joining the team. Reflecting on his entry into the NBA, Tatum acknowledged that he initially assumed all franchises were similar. This notion was swiftly dispelled as he experienced the Celtics’ rich history and the honor of wearing their uniform.

“When you come into the NBA, you just think every organization, every franchise is the same. That couldn’t be any further from the truth,” Tatum explained. He felt privileged to be part of such a distinguished team, which elevated his commitment to both the city and the franchise. Tatum’s appreciation for the Celtics’ history deepened over time, enhancing his sense of responsibility and pride.

Tatum admitted that his understanding of the Celtics’ legacy wasn’t immediate. Drafted by a team that had been the No. 1 seed in the East the previous season, he gradually learned about the franchise’s heritage. This realization dawned on him throughout his rookie year as he encountered various aspects of the team’s history.

“I had no idea who Cedric Maxwell was. I thought he was just like a radio guy,” Tatum confessed, sharing a moment of laughter. It was only later that he discovered Maxwell’s significance as a former player and Finals MVP. These revelations, along with other encounters, fostered a growing appreciation for the Celtics’ legacy.

Kyrie Irving’s Perspective

In contrast, Kyrie Irving’s approach to joining the Celtics was markedly different. When traded to Boston, Irving didn’t initially prioritize understanding the franchise’s history. Reflecting on his time with the Celtics, Irving admitted that Boston wasn’t his top choice, and he entered the situation with an open but somewhat indifferent mindset.

“When I look back on it, getting traded here, this wasn’t one of my options,” Irving revealed. He approached the opportunity with a go-with-the-flow attitude, which he now recognizes as a mistake. Irving acknowledged that he should have taken the time to appreciate the Celtics’ history and connect with the community and former champions.

Irving’s initial struggle was figuring out how to balance being a great player, winning championships, and leading the team while integrating into the Celtics’ culture. He realized that the Celtics expect players to wholeheartedly buy into the organization’s pride and history. Failing to do so can result in feeling like an outsider, a sentiment Irving eventually experienced.

“And I think that’s what I struggled with initially was figuring out how I’m going to be a great player here while winning championships while also leading a team and selflessly joining the Celtics organization or the cult that they have here,” Irving admitted. He realized too late that he should have extended himself to the Celtics’ community and embraced the franchise’s storied legacy.

Advice for Future Players

Irving now advises any player coming to Boston to delve into the team’s history and understand its significance. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the community’s integral role in making the Celtics special.

“You just expect to have a magnifying glass on you everywhere you go… So the community is integrated into the Celtics team, that’s probably the best way I could say it,” Irving noted. He highlighted the passionate Boston fanbase and their pride in the team as essential elements of the Celtics’ greatness.

For any player joining the Celtics, whether through the draft, free agency, or trade, Irving suggests doing thorough homework to understand what it means to be part of the franchise.

As the Celtics aim for their 18th championship banner, Irving, despite being on the outs with the Boston fans, remains a part of the ongoing dialogue about the importance of embracing the Celtics’ storied legacy.