Back in mid-August, Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared a video to his Instagram that showed him working out with NBA Hall of Famer and Celtics legend Paul Pierce, much to the delight of Celtics fans.
In a recent episode on Showtime Basketball’s “KG Certified” with Kevin Garnett, Pierce discussed his workouts with Tatum, in which Pierce had high praise for the 25-year-old.
“To watch him and see him do the things that’s making him great, it’s an honor,” Pierce said.
”He’s one of the top five players in the league, so it’s an honor just to be there and see him go through his journey.”
Pierce, who spent 19 years in the NBA, including 15 with the Celtics, is a valuable resource for Tatum as the three-time All-NBA selection looks to further cement himself in Celtics history.
“I’m there, really, just for support and to see his growth,” said Pierce. “He’s already at the top of the food chain, so I’m just part of being a support system.”
According to Pierce, the visit between him and Tatum was provoked by Pierce’s former teammate and new Celtics assistant coach, Sam Cassell, who was hired in early June by the Celtics in an effort to bolster Joe Mazzulla’s coaching staff.
Also on set was Tony Allen, another alumnus of the 2008 Celtics, who said one thing he would like Tatum to add to his game is “that seek and destroy mentality,” similar to what Pierce possessed.
“That seek and destroy mentality. I used to look at P [Pierce] and see three things that were going to happen. Either he was going to get fouled, he was going to score, or he was going to get somebody a bucket,” said Allen. “That’s that seek and destroy mentality… I’m not saying Tatum don’t got it, but [Pierce] working out with him. I think that’s good insight.”