BRIGHTON — Paolo Banchero typically 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 position 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 facet.
Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum have been mates since Banchero was in school
Banchero, the highest draft decide 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 certainly one of his assistant coaches; Jefferson is certainly one of Tatum’s closest mates and is now an assistant coach on the Celtics.
Tatum, who was chosen third general 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 assist Banchero’s transition.
In January of 2023, Banchero informed Boston Sports activities Journal’s Bobby Manning that one of many largest items of recommendation Tatum gave him when he entered the NBA was: It’s a must to go and take what you need.
“Coming in, simply since you’re a excessive decide, you’re in all probability going to have extra stuff handed to you than the common particular person, however you’ll be able to’t tackle that angle,” Banchero stated, recalling his mates’ recommendation. “It’s a must to work for all the things. Guys are going to come back at you, guys on different groups, possibly even guys by yourself staff… simply bear in mind that no one’s going at hand you something. You’ve received to exit and take it. That all the time caught with me.”
Jayson Tatum has frequently battled mates all through the playoffs — and Paolo Banchero is the newest
Tatum just isn’t in unfamiliar territory relating to matching up towards good friend within the NBA playoffs. He’s battled towards shut good friend 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 frequently educated with and realized from, and confronted fellow 2017 lottery decide and shut good friend Donovan Mitchell within the convention semi-finals towards the Cleveland Cavaliers final Spring. The checklist goes on and on.
Tatum stated that dealing with off towards his good good friend within the postseason doesn’t change the dynamic of the collection.
And, on Tuesday night time, after the Magic clinched their spot within the first spherical towards Boston, Banchero mirrored on what dealing with Tatum could be like.
“I’ve recognized Jayson since I used to be going into school,” Banchero stated. “I see him each summer season. [He’s a] man that I’m very aware of, 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 provide him my greatest effort and go at him as a lot as I can.”
Tatum stated at apply on Wednesday that he appreciated Banchero’s mindset.
“That’s the way it ought to be,” he stated. “He’s attempting to steer his staff within the playoffs and work out 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 stated. “Simply having the understanding that — no mates on the market. Nothing else issues apart from doing all the things I can to assist my staff win. There’s not likely time for the rest.”
