The dazzling Larry O’Brien Trophy will be up for grabs in a thrilling 2024 NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. The Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum praised his former teammate and top player for the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving. Ahead of their matchup, he called him “one of the most talented guys” he has ever been around.
When asked about his time working with Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum talked about how he developed his ability to move through space like a pro from Kyrie Irving.
Tatum said, “Obviously, there were some ups and downs. But I think for me, being a first and second-year player, being around a superstar every day and seeing how to navigate that space and then obviously, on the court. He’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever seen.”
He added: “It seems like a very long time ago. But I have a lot of great memories from having Kai as a teammate.” Despite the ups and downs of his two-year relationship with Irving, Jayson Tatum is the poster child for the Boston Celtics. Tatum said he still has many “great memories” from their time together.
In 2017, Kyrie Irving moved to Boston to work with youngster Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. After playing alongside LeBron James to win an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, he joined the Boston Celtics.
Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum Played Together for Almost 2 Seasons for the Celtics
Irving did not have the success he would have liked when he first arrived in Boston. Irving could not lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals even with a youthful Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown at his side. With Irving as their focal point, the Boston Celtics struggled mightily without injuries.
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Irving joined the Boston Celtics in 2017 and played there for two seasons. According to the stats on NBA.com, between the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, Irving participated in 127 games, averaging 24.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
During the 2018 postseason, the Boston Celtics were defeated in the Conference Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, beat the Boston Celtics 4-3. Irving was sidelined due to a knee injury during the Conference Finals. The Boston Celtics were brutally defeated 1-4 by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2019 playoffs.
Also Read: Celtics Guard Derrick White Reflects on NBA Finals Journey After Leading Celtics’ Trick Shot Fun
