Jayson Tatum has officially begun a new chapter with the Boston Celtics, and his first appearance alongside Paul George was a moment he won’t forget.
With longtime teammate Jaylen Brown now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Tatum took the floor without his former co-star for the first time in his professional career.
Instead, the 28-year-old shared the court with George, a player he grew up watching and modeling his game after.
“It’s kind of surreal, a little bit,” Tatum told reporters following Boston’s 144-106 preseason victory over Philadelphia on Saturday, according to CLNS Media.
George, 36, joined Boston during the offseason and made his first appearance at TD Garden against his former team, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals in 24 minutes.
For Tatum, the opportunity to play alongside someone who influenced his development carries special significance.
“I was in high school, kind of modeling my game after him and watching film of him when I was in high school,” Tatum said. “In college, I remember I had to be the first player in college to wear PG-1s. I remember that. … That was 2016 or early 2017. So, like, I’ve always been a fan of PG and just to be able to be his teammate and learn from him, him to take on the role of being a mentor of assistance to myself and other guys, who’ve obviously watched him play for a long time, it’s cool to be a part of.”
George struggled to find his rhythm early, missing his first four shots before connecting on a three-pointer late in the second quarter.
Despite shooting just three-of-10 from the field, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was impressed with the veteran’s defensive impact.
“He’s got great instincts,” Mazzulla said, according to CLNS Media. “Great instincts. Great technique. Great positioning. It’s something he takes pride in, but I do think it’s very contagious.”
The matchup also provided an unusual sight, with Brown warming up on the opposite side of the court before sitting out Philadelphia’s preseason contest.
After years of sharing the spotlight with Brown, Tatum now enters the season as Boston’s unquestioned leader, with George bringing experience and another veteran presence to the roster.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Tatum told reporters.
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