BRIGHTON — Paolo Banchero usually sports activities Jayson Tatum’s sneakers, and when he’s wanted recommendation all through the years, the Celtics star has been somebody he has turned to.
The 2 have maintained a detailed friendship all through Banchero’s journey from Duke to the NBA, with Tatum embracing the function of the mentor. However when the Celtics tackle the Orlando Magic within the first spherical of the playoffs on Friday, two standout Duke basketball alumni will put their friendship to the aspect.
Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum had been buddies since Banchero was in school
Banchero, the highest draft choose within the 2022 draft, performed for Duke for one 12 months earlier than starting his NBA profession in Orlando. That 12 months in Duke, Amile Jefferson was considered one of his assistant coaches; Jefferson is considered one of Tatum’s closest buddies and is now an assistant coach on the Celtics.
Tatum, who was chosen third total by the Celtics in 2017, was already a three-time All-Star by the point Banchero entered the league. And, he shared his experiences from his first few years within the league to assist support Banchero’s transition.
In January of 2023, Banchero informed Boston Sports activities Journal’s Bobby Manning that one of many greatest items of recommendation Tatum gave him when he entered the NBA was: It’s important to go and take what you need.
“Coming in, simply since you’re a excessive choose, you’re in all probability going to have extra stuff handed to you than the common individual, however you’ll be able to’t tackle that perspective,” Banchero mentioned, recalling his buddies’ recommendation. “It’s important to work for the whole lot. Guys are going to return at you, guys on different groups, perhaps even guys by yourself workforce… simply bear in mind that no person’s going handy you something. You’ve obtained to exit and take it. That all the time caught with me.”
Jayson Tatum has commonly battled buddies all through the playoffs — and Paolo Banchero is the most recent
Tatum will not be in unfamiliar territory in the case of matching up towards pal within the NBA playoffs. He’s battled towards shut pal Bam Adebayo on the Miami Warmth in 4 of the final 5 playoffs, the 2 sharing that they ceased communication all through the postseason.
He’s eradicated Kevin Durant, somebody he’s commonly skilled with and realized from, and confronted fellow 2017 lottery choose and shut pal Donovan Mitchell within the convention semi-finals towards the Cleveland Cavaliers final Spring. The listing goes on and on.
Tatum mentioned that going through off towards his good pal within the postseason doesn’t change the dynamic of the collection.
And, on Tuesday evening, after the Magic clinched their spot within the first spherical towards Boston, Banchero mirrored on what going through Tatum can be like.
“I’ve recognized Jayson since I used to be going into school,” Banchero mentioned. “I see him each summer time. [He’s a] man that I’m very acquainted with, however one of many guys I am going to for recommendation and stuff like that. Clearly, now we’re competing — and I believe one of the simplest ways for me to point out my respect is to present him my finest effort and go at him as a lot as I can.”
Tatum mentioned at observe on Wednesday that he appreciated Banchero’s mindset.
“That’s the way it must be,” he mentioned. “He’s attempting to steer his workforce within the playoffs and determine methods to win, and I’m attempting to do the identical factor.”
However, the 2 will set their friendship apart for the primary time as they put together for a first-round playoff battle.
“It’s simply shifting your mindset to — it’s the playoffs,” Tatum mentioned. “Simply having the understanding that — no buddies on the market. Nothing else issues in addition to doing the whole lot I can to assist my workforce win. There’s probably not time for the rest.”
