In a recent discussion on The Bill Simmons Podcast, renowned actor and basketball enthusiast Adam Sandler expressed his admiration for Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, dismissing the notion of any rift between them.
The Celtics duo, who secured an NBA championship in 2024, have often been the subject of media narratives suggesting tension or rivalry. However, Sandler, a former New England resident and passionate basketball fan, refuted these claims, emphasizing the strong bond between the two players.
“Don’t try and divide them,” Sandler advised. “They love each other.” He highlighted how, during the 2024 NBA Finals, Tatum and Brown’s synergy was pivotal to the Celtics’ success. Despite Brown winning the Finals MVP, Sandler credited Tatum’s presence for Brown’s standout performance. “The reason [Brown] was scoring a lot was because everyone was scared of Tatum,” Sandler explained.
Throughout the playoffs, Tatum frequently faced double teams, forcing him to make quick decisions that often resulted in assists to Brown.
Tatum led the series with 7.2 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities under pressure. Sandler likened Tatum’s selflessness to the excitement one feels when a teammate excels in a pickup game, noting Tatum’s genuine happiness for Brown’s achievements.
Sandler also reminisced about his first encounter with Tatum during his rookie season, recalling:
“I remember meeting Tatum… He was very nice and I remember just going, ‘Now this is just a stud.’”
Sandler’s respect for Tatum has only grown over the years, as the Celtics star continues to build an impressive resume, including two gold medals, an NBA championship, and multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections.
As the Celtics prepare for the 2024-25 season, Sandler’s words serve as a reminder that their success stems from a collective effort, with Tatum and Brown at the heart of it all.
