For the Celtics to make a deep playoff run, it goes without saying that they'll need Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum at the top of their respective games.
Irving missed all of last year's postseason, but he looked on as then-rookie Tatum led the C's all the way to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Since Tatum has that playoff experience under his belt plus an entire sophomore season, Irving expects more out of him this time around.
Both Irving and Tatum appeared on The Players’ Tribune’s “Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson & Darius Miles” podcast, and Irving revealed his motivating message for Tatum with the NBA playoffs right around the corner.
Irving also reminded Tatum just how special it is to have been drafted by such a storied franchise in the Boston Celtics.
Irving's treatment of the media and handling of free-agency rumors have subjected the Celtics star to plenty of criticism this season. Irving recently apologized for the way he's gone about his business during the 2018-19 campaign and pledged to do a better job of setting an example for his young teammates.
His motivational message to Tatum is a solid start.
Boston Celtics
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