With hopes of winning a championship, the Boston Celtics head into the playoffs. The player charged with leading their charge is Jayson Tatum.
This season, the St. Louis native has established himself as one of the NBA’s most complete players by reducing his scoring output in order to improve his all-around skills.
Recently, NBA trainer Drew Hanlen shared some advice he’s given the Celtics star this season in an interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda.
“I’ve been trying to turn him into a cocky player on the court and an arrogant player on the court,” Hanlen stated to Medina. “I always tell him to be the ‘nicest assh—‘ — a nice guy off the court and an assh— on the court.”
Observing Tatum’s performances this season, it appears that Hanlen’s counsel is bearing fruit. Tatum’s offensive strategy now includes more physicality. He is utilizing his stature and length while switching to defense, working out of the post more, and driving hard to the hoop.
When the postseason gets underway, the Celtics will need their star player to be that competitive. The Celtics will be pursued by every opponent they meet in the playoffs because they are the greatest team in the league going into the tournament.
Tatum will firmly establish himself as one of the NBA’s top five players if he can lead the Celtics to a title this year. Hanlen has spent several years assisting him in achieving that objective. This past summer, Boston signed two players who are worthy of All-Star status: Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, who have elevated the team to a new level.
Every player on the Boston team has had to give up some of their best effort. Tatum’s full skill set has enabled him to succeed in challenging situations. Additionally, he’s let others flourish in his presence. Still, he needs to continue his nasty streak in the postseason.
The supporters of the Celtics will be hoping that Hanlen is telling him to keep his foot on the throttle and to stop trying to be the kind guy we see outside of the court.
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