Two months ago, the Boston Celtics, led by star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, secured their 18th NBA Championship, adding to their storied legacy. However, the aftermath hasn’t been as celebratory for Tatum and Brown.
Affectionately known as “The Jays” by Celtics fans, Tatum and Brown haven’t enjoyed the usual honeymoon period that typically follows a championship win. Former NBA stars Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford have even hinted at a possible conspiracy against the duo.
The Celtics were dominant in the playoffs, cruising through with a 16-3 record, solidifying their status as the league’s best team. Yet, despite their standout performances, Jaylen Brown was passed over in favor of teammate Derrick White when Kawhi Leonard needed a replacement on the Team USA Olympic roster. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum saw limited playing time during the team’s six games in France, with some games seeing him benched entirely.
Given their exceptional season and playoff performances, this treatment seems baffling, a sentiment echoed by Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford. Williams pointed out that rumors of a trade to split up the duo have persisted for years, even as they consistently brought the team close to a championship. While those rumors might fade now that they’ve won a title together, figures like Lou Williams haven’t forgotten them.
Tatum’s unexpected benching during the Olympics was particularly surprising. Despite his shooting struggles, his ability to play both as a small-ball 4 and a bigger 3 should have made him a valuable asset for Team USA coach Steve Kerr. However, Kerr largely overlooked Tatum. As the Celtics head into next season as favorites to win another title, Tatum and Brown remain focused on that goal. But the peculiar treatment they’ve received continues to raise eyebrows.