In order for the Boston Celtics to succeed in 2023-24, they will have to rely on their current roster but also turn to the past.
Players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and others will listen to the advice of Celtics stars who have come before them, including Paul Pierce.
Pierce has been close to the team recently and spending time with Tatum.
Talking to The Athletic, Pierce shed some light on why.
“It’s all part of our culture and that is something that the Celtics have always been about,” Pierce said.
To be the best, you have to learn from the best.
So in order to get over the championship hump, Jayson Tatum has been spending time with Paul Pierce.
How did this come together and what has been shared? @JaredWeissNBA has more ⤵️https://t.co/VddYYabrL3 pic.twitter.com/7iMgiwbMXt
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 6, 2023
There is no doubt that Pierce will give Tatum helpful wisdom about winning the Finals.
That, of course, is the team’s goal this year as they have come close recently but not close enough.
During his time with the Celtics, Pierce was a central figure on the team as they won a championship.
For several seasons, Tatum has been the same sort of central figure for this Celtics roster.
The 25-year-old forward was definitely the lynchpin that held the team together last season, averaging 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
He has gotten progressively better at being the team’s leader too, taking on that role and responsibility.
That is something else that Pierce can help with because he was someone who liked to inspire and lead his team during his time in Boston.
In the season ahead, Tatum will need to continue scoring a lot but will also need to keep developing his leadership skills.
Combined together, those two things will be key to the Celtics making the playoffs again.
Pierce will be there rooting for Tatum the entire time, inspiring him to inspire.
NEXT: Celtics Show Franchise Legend Working With The Team