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 an in depth 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 had been buddies 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 one among his assistant coaches; Jefferson is one among 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 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 may’t tackle that perspective,” Banchero stated, recalling his buddies’ recommendation. “It’s a must to work for every thing. Guys are going to come back at you, guys on different groups, perhaps even guys by yourself staff… simply bear in mind that no person’s going at hand you something. You’ve obtained to exit and take it. That at all times caught with me.”
Jayson Tatum has usually 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 usually skilled with and realized from, and confronted fellow 2017 lottery decide and shut pal Donovan Mitchell within the convention semi-finals towards the Cleveland Cavaliers final Spring. The listing goes on and on.
Tatum stated that dealing with 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 dealing with Tatum could be like.
“I’ve identified Jayson since I used to be going into school,” Banchero stated. “I see him each summer time. [He’s a] man that I’m very accustomed to, 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 best 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 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 buddies on the market. Nothing else issues moreover doing every thing I can to assist my staff win. There’s not likely time for anything.”
