Jayson Tatum’s relationship with new head coach Ime Udoka is so strong that the player already started trash-talking the C’s helmsman during their Team USA practices.
Both Tatum and Udoka are in Tokyo with the team, playing different roles for head coach Gregg Popovich. This is a good opportunity for them to get ready for the next NBA campaign, where the Celtics will try to make some noise led by these two.
Well, things have gotten pretty interesting for them, going at it in practice, with JT taking jabs at his new head coach. They played a one-on-one game in a recent practice, where Ime tried to guard his pupil without much success. Or at least that’s what Tatum says.
“He was trying to guard me,” Tatum said, via Heavy. “He didn’t have too much luck.”
“We were getting some extra work in at the practice, going through some drills, getting some extra shots up,” he elaborated.
The 2021/22 NBA season will bring many changes for the Celtics, starting with Udoka. The coach is ready to take the challenge, and JT can’t wait to see what the C’s can do with their new HC.
“He’s excited to be the new coach, and for this opportunity,” said Tatum. “He’s motivated and driven. We’re both excited. Obviously have a job to do here first, and then we’ll take care of that when we get there.”
After a struggling 2020/21 season, the team’s front office decided to part ways with Danny Ainge, replacing him with head coach Brad Stevens. Stevens brought Udoka as his replacement, and the Celtics are ready to make some noise in the league.
The Brooklyn Nets eliminated them in the first round of the 2021 playoff. The only reason they weren’t swept was Tatum, who showed why he’s one of the best young players in the league.
