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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum ready to ride with Kemba Walker

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics runs to the court prior to Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics runs to the court prior to Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics have a changing of the stars at the point guard position and Jayson Tatum is ready to ride with Kemba Walker.

Part of becoming a big star in the NBA is marketability and attracting other big-name players in the league to want to play alongside you.  Entering just his third season in the NBA, Boston Celtics young stud Jayson Tatum appears to be well on his way.

After taking a step back in his sophomore year, the expectations are higher than ever for the Duke product.  Following the departure of both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is putting his trust in his young core, led by Tatum.

In locking down an endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, Jayson Tatum is proving he not only has market appeal, but he feels that connection is what brought Kemba Walker (also with Jordan Brand) to Boston to help lead the young core to the next level.

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Although his relationship with Kyrie Irving hasn’t changed, Tatum is clearly excited about what Walker brings to the table and is also taking credit for him signing with the Celtics this summer.

Asked about the addition of Kemba Walker during an event promoting his new Abercrombie & Fitch fragrance Thursday, Tatum gushed with excitement about the opportunity to play with his business partner and now new teammate.

"“I’m very excited,” Tatum said, as transcribed by MassLive.  “I think I had a big part with him coming here.  I was with him in Paris.“I never told him to come, but I told him I would love for him to join the team and told him how it was.  Obviously, everybody has to do what’s best for themselves, and I’m happy for him.”"

Though Jayson Tatum hasn’t morphed into an All-Star caliber player in the NBA just yet, he is well on his way.  As that star gets brighter, more players like Kemba Walker will be eager to get to Boston to play with him.

Karl-Anthony Towns anyone?

Speaking of Kyrie Irving

Jayson Tatum also opened up about the departure of Kyrie Irving who took his talents to Brooklyn, which opened up the spot for Kemba Walker.

Although Irving had beef with some of the younger players on the team, his relationship with Tatum was a bit closer, especially since both are products of Duke and have similar journeys to the NBA.

Next. Boston Celtics: Enes Kanter praises Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown All-Star ceiling. dark

Like Marcus Smart, don’t expect Tatum to have any bad feelings towards Kyrie.  In fact, he says their friendship hasn’t changed.

"“We still keep in touch,” Tatum said, via ESPN.  “That’s like family.  We talk often.  Nothing in particular, nothing specific about last season, just friend talk. …I’m all for guys doing what’s best for them.  It doesn’t change the dynamic of our friendship.”"

It has also given Jayson Tatum an opportunity to become more of a leader and also take that next step towards NBA stardom.  It certainly feels like 2019-20 will be the year the Boston Celtics young promising star shines brightly.

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